Laurus nobilis aka (Sweet) Bay Leaf

Taxonomy

Genus Laurus Family Lauraceae Order Laurales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Laurus nobilis, also known as bay tree, bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Grecian laurel, or simply laurel, is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glabrous (smooth) leaves. It belongs to the flowering plant family Lauraceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. It is primarily used as bay leaf for seasoning in cooking, but is also a popular ornamental plant that can be grown both indoors and out. Bay laurel is a slow grower, making it ideal for growing in pots and even as topiary shapes. In the spring, it produces small yellow flowers that develop into purple berries in the fall. Bay laurels prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. They thrive in long-lasting, direct light and benefit from full sun for a portion of the year to produce the best flavor. While Laurus nobilis is the most well-known type of bay or laurel plant, there are many other plants in diverse families that are also called "bay" or "laurel" due to similarity in foliage or aroma.

Common names

(Sweet) Bay Leaf, Bay Laurel

How to care for (Sweet) Bay Leaf

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, (Sweet) Bay Leaf is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

(Sweet) Bay Leaf should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

(Sweet) Bay Leaf loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the (Sweet) Bay Leaf prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

(Sweet) Bay Leaf is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The (Sweet) Bay Leaf should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

(Sweet) Bay Leaf’s native range is S. Europe.

More info:
Wikipedia

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