🌿 Bay Laurel, Growing Guide for SEQ
Everything you need to grow Bay Laurel in South East Queensland's subtropical climate.
When to Sow in SEQ
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.
Growing Requirements
Kitchen Uses
- Added to stocks, soups and stews
- Used in marinades for meat
- Infused into béchamel sauce
- Added to pickling brines
Health Benefits
- Classic culinary herb for cooking
- Fresh leaves much more aromatic than dried
- Traditional medicinal and culinary use
- Slow-growing long-lived tree
Pests & Diseases in SEQ
Common Pests
- Scale
- Psyllid
Common Diseases
- Root rot
Storage
Dried bay leaves store in a sealed jar for up to 1 year. Fresh leaves can be frozen
Value
Saves ~$2-4/week, one plant provides a lifetime supply of bay leaves
Track Bay Laurel in Your Garden
Drag Bay Laurel into your garden bed, get weekly reminders for watering, feeding, and harvesting.
Add Bay Laurel to My Garden →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bay Laurel in Brisbane?
In South East Queensland, Bay Laurel can be sown in September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. 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.