Bay Tree Growing

Bay tree growing

Choose a sheltered spot protected from strong winds in full sun. If your soil isn't well drained, consider growing plants in 30cm (12in) pots filled with soil-based or multipurpose, (including peat free) compost.

Are bay leaf trees hard to grow?

Growing Bay Leaves Outdoors No worries here. If your climate is agreeable, ordinary garden soil with good drainage will provide a happy home for your bay leaf tree year-round. Bay can tolerate full sun or part shade but doesn't like soggy feet or excessively dry soils, so take that into account when watering.

How long does a bay leaf tree take to grow?

Because bay laurel is a very slow grower (a few inches per year) and accepts pruning so gladly, this plant is very commonly grown in containers, kept on a patio or deck in the summer, and moved indoors for the winter.

How easy is it to grow a bay tree?

The bay tree is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, aromatic leaves. Laurus Nobilis originates from the Mediterranean and is widely grown in the ground, or in containers, clipped into attractive shapes. A slow-growing and easy-to-care-for plant, the bay tree is extremely popular.

Will bay tree survive winter?

Bay trees are frost hardy but extreme cold and or wind can damage leaves. Move your plant to a sheltered area for the winter. If the weather turns colder then you can protect the foliage with horticultural fleece for the duration of the cold.

Do bay trees need a lot of water?

Bay Tree Watering Just like other potted plants, pot grown bay trees have restricted access to water, so will need to be watered regularly in hot or dry periods. Water the tree regularly throughout the summer checking the soil every couple of days. Check by feeling the top first inches of soil.

Can I use bay leaves straight from the bush?

You can handpick a few fresh bay leaves for immediate use whenever you want them. But most recipes work just as well with dried bay leaves. You'll need to prune your bay tree once a year. Once the tree is well grown, the pruning process should yield a good supply of bay leaves for drying.

Do bay trees have invasive roots?

Yes, bay laurel trees have extensive root systems that can be invasive. If you are planting a bay laurel in the ground, be sure you plant it a reasonable distance from your home or any other structures. Do not plant bay laurel trees near a swimming pool or sewer lines, or on top of a septic tank.

Where should I plant a bay leaf tree?

Choose a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole and add compost or other organic matter. Place the bay leaf plant in the hole, water well and keep evenly moist. Be sure the soil drains well.

Are bay trees poisonous to dogs?

In fact, bay leaves are considered to be toxic to dogs due to the presence of a substance called eugenol plus a number of other essential oils. According to the ASPCA, consuming bay leaves can bring on bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, and whole leaves could even result in an obstruction for your dog.

How long do bay trees last in pots?

Bay trees in containers can live for 20 years or more if looked after well, in open ground they can easily live for 50 years. So, they are a herb which is well worth taking a bit of care over. The glossy green leaves look superb and of course, they are used in a large number of recipes.

Can a bay tree be planted close to a house?

Trees with lateral tree root systems, such as Moreton Bay Figs, have a wide root spread so they'll need to be planted further away from your home to avoid issues.

Are bay trees a problem?

Bay tree problems are generally not too complicated – their easy care regime is one of the reasons they make one of the best trees to grow in pots. But, like most plants, there are a few pests that can be a nuisance, or your bay tree may be kicking up a fuss due to environmental factors.

What temperature can bay tree tolerate?

Bay is a half-hardy shrub or small tree that can tolerate winter temperatures no lower than 20F (-7C). In cold climates, bay is best grown in a container that can be kept indoors in winter.

Do bay trees grow well in pots?

Can you grow bay in a container? It is entirely possible. A bay leaf tree in a pot is attractive, accepts pruning, and stays much smaller than forest trees.

How do you thicken a bay tree?

To achieve a dense bushy hedge it is necessary to tip prune the plants on a regular basis. Unfortunately bay trees are not fast growing so it may take you a little time before you are able to achieve the desired result. Regular pruning will certain help to thicken up the hedge.

How do you keep bay trees healthy?

Bay trees are not greedy but they do like something to live on. In spring and summer a light feed of a liquid feed like MiracleGro is beneficial. Make it up at half strength or less. Swapping over occasionally to a tomato feed, again at half strength, will avoid an excess of nitrogen.

How do you prepare a bay tree for the winter?

Bay trees like the sun, so make sure you have a sunny window that you can place it next to for the winter. Bays do best when they can stay outside as much as possible, so keep it outdoors until temperatures drop.

Is it OK to eat a bay leaf?

The simple answer is yes, but after cooking, bay leaves maintain a tough texture so they are often removed from the dish prior to serving. Are bay leaves poisonous? No, but due to the tough texture eating the cooked bay leaf is not recommended because it may be a choking hazard or be difficult to digest.

Should bay leaves be dried before using?

Due to this flavor difference, bay leaves are best used in their dried form. You can dry fresh bay leaves in a variety of ways: 1. Air dry: Arrange the bay leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with a paper towel.