Holly's Homestead — Perennial Herb
Bay Tree
Laurus nobilis · Laurel family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree/large shrub
MATURITY Usable from year one, slow-growing
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree/large shrub
MATURITY Usable from year one, slow-growing
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
Spacing
3–5m if unpruned, or pot/hedge
Depth
as per pot
01Prunes well into a hedge or pot specimen
Left alone, bay grows into a substantial tree, but it responds very well to clipping — many homesteads keep it as a large pot specimen or a trimmed hedge instead.
02Planting
Method
Plant from a nursery pot; slow-growing, so a larger starting size saves years.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Plant in spring or autumn.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Water regularly while young, then moderately once established.
- Prune or clip to control size and shape as desired.
- Feed lightly in spring.
- Protect from hard frost while young.
04Problems
- Scale insects — small bumps on stems and leaves; treat with horticultural oil.
- Sooty mould — follows scale/sap-suckers; treat the pest.
- Slow growth — normal for this species; be patient.
- Leaf spot — humid conditions; improve airflow.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Usable year-round once established.
Method
Pick individual leaves as needed.
Curing
Dry leaves flat for a couple of weeks — dried bay is actually preferred in cooking.
Storage
Dried, airtight, a year or more.
Preserving
See Dehydrating (drying woody herbs for storage) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Most plants — a good non-competitive neighbourAvoid nearby
None majorRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived tree/shrub.
