| Weight | 17 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 48 in |
| Tree Size | 3 Gallon Tree |
3 in stock
$40.00
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) – A Culinary Classic
Bay Laurel is the true source of the iconic bay leaf used in kitchens around the world. Native to the Mediterranean and long cultivated in both classical gardens and kitchen patios, this evergreen shrub or small tree is slow-growing, highly aromatic, and exceptionally useful. With glossy green leaves and a refined upright habit, it adds visual structure and culinary value year-round. Dry the leaves to release their full flavor, or harvest fresh to infuse soups, stews, and sauces with subtle depth.
Quick Facts:
• Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
• Common Name: Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay
• Family: Lauraceae
• Native Region: Mediterranean basin
• USDA Zones: 8–11 (container in 7b and below)
• Mature Size: 6–30 ft tall, prunable; container-grown plants stay compact
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, wide pH tolerance
• Moisture: Moderate; avoid waterlogging
• Self-Fertile: Leaves harvestable regardless of sex; only females fruit
• Fruiting Time: Late summer (on female trees only)
• Best Uses: Culinary, topiary, herbal medicine, ornamental
Climate & Hardiness: Hardy to USDA zone 8. Tolerates brief frost to 20–27°F; container plants should be moved indoors or protected below 30°F. Can thrive year-round in Mediterranean-style climates.
Soil & Moisture: Tolerates a wide range of soils from sandy to clay, so long as it is well-drained. Keep soil moderately moist—neither soggy nor bone dry. Water more during hot, dry spells.
Light Requirements: Full sun preferred (6–8 hours) for denser foliage and more aromatic leaves. Accepts part shade but may become leggy over time.
Size & Pruning: Grows to 10–30 ft tall unpruned in ideal conditions, but easy to maintain as a 3–6 ft shrub or compact tree in containers. Clip annually to control size, shape topiary, or keep it harvest-friendly.
Leaves & Aroma: Glossy, deep green, leathery leaves with a distinctive pine-eucalyptus scent. Flavor deepens over time—harvest mature leaves and dry for 2–4 weeks before culinary use.
Flowering & Fruiting: Produces tiny yellowish flowers in spring. Female trees may produce black berries in late summer, but most growers cultivate for leaves alone.
Pollination & Propagation: Bay Laurel is dioecious—female trees bear fruit, but both sexes produce usable leaves. Propagate from cuttings or layering; seeds are slow and often non-viable.
Fertilizer & Maintenance: Feed lightly in spring with organic fertilizer. Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead or weak branches. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Is Bay Laurel self-fertile? – Yes, for leaf harvest. Fruit only forms on female trees with a male nearby.
Can I grow it in a container? – Absolutely. It thrives in pots and is ideal for patio gardens or indoor overwintering.
How tall does it get? – In-ground trees can reach 30 ft, but most stay 6–12 ft with pruning. Potted plants stay under 6 ft.
When should I harvest bay leaves? – Anytime, but mature leaves have the best aroma. Dry for 2–4 weeks to intensify flavor.
What does it pair well with in cooking? – Soups, stews, sauces, beans, roasts—especially Mediterranean and French dishes.
How cold-hardy is it? – Damaged below ~27°F. Bring containers inside or protect during freezes.
What pests affect it? – Can attract scale, mealybugs, or mildew—especially indoors. Treat with neem or insecticidal soap if needed.
SHIPPING
Carriers and Services
We ship all orders via UPS, offering Standard, Expedited, and Overnight services. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and the selected service.
Winter Shipping Advisory
Cold Weather Alert: Tropical trees are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. During colder months, our greenhouses maintain warm, optimal conditions for growth, which makes plants more vulnerable to cold damage during shipping.
Recommendations: If temperatures along the shipping route are below 40°F, we recommend holding your order until it’s safe to ship. We will notify you if a delay is necessary.
No Freeze Warranty: We do not guarantee plants shipped during freezing conditions. Shipping in cold weather is at the buyer’s discretion and risk.
Shipping Schedule
Local (In-State) Shipments: Orders ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery before the weekend. Most locations within the state receive deliveries in 1 to 2 days.
Out-of-State Shipments: Orders ship primarily on Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
Packaging and Damage Claims
Plants are carefully packaged to minimize the risk of damage during transit. However, if damage occurs, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery.
Submit clear photos of the packaging and the plant to southeden@outlook.com. Claims cannot be processed without photos.
Order Processing and Pickup
Orders placed before 5:00 PM are processed the same business day.
Local pickups are available between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays and are processed on the same day.
Returns
All sales are final.
Due to agricultural regulations, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any items, including live tropical trees.
If you receive an incorrect or damaged item, contact us at southeden@outlook.com within 3 days of delivery. Claims must include clear photos of the packaging and item to be reviewed. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for supporting South Eden Edible Nursery! We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring your plants arrive in the best possible condition.
