Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Bay Laurel — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Laurus nobilis |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–60 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–730 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 121.9–609.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–304.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 8–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Take semi-ripe stem cuttings in summer, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into gritty propagating mix; expect rooting in 6–9 weeks. Plant in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site; in zones 7 and colder, grow in containers that can be moved indoors before hard frost. Clip the canopy to shape annually and remove any reverted plain shoots from variegated forms. Harvest individual leaves as needed once the plant is established; leaves are most pungent when dried for 1–2 weeks.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0