How to Grow Bay Laurel in Australia
A year-round herb for the long-term patch
Growing your own Bay Laurel is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, one plant provides a lifetime supply of bay leaves.
This guide covers when to plant Bay Laurel in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Bay Laurel is a year-round crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Bay Laurel full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+ (grows into a tree), which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Bay Laurel into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 200 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Slow-growing evergreen tree, worth the wait. Fresh bay leaves are far more aromatic than dried. Keep pruned as a large shrub or topiary. Thrives in SEQ once established.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Scale and Psyllid. The main diseases to watch are Root rot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Bay Laurel is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Dried bay leaves store in a sealed jar for up to 1 year. Fresh leaves can be frozen.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, bay laurel is good added to stocks, soups and stews, used in marinades for meat, infused into béchamel sauce and added to pickling brines. Nutritionally: classic culinary herb for cooking and fresh leaves much more aromatic than dried.
Track Your Bay Laurel Growing
Add bay laurel to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bay Laurel in Australia?
Bay Laurel is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Bay Laurel take to grow?
Bay Laurel is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Bay Laurel in a pot?
Yes. Bay Laurel grows well in a container of 30cm+ (grows into a tree) with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Bay Laurel need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Bay Laurel in the Plant Library
