Sweet Bay Leaf Tree

Laurus nobilis

aka Greek Bay, Laurel Bay

Quick Facts:

  • slow growing, evergreen perennial
  • grows 10-15' tall  max.  in the US;
  • hardy to 10°F (when mature): zones 8-10
  • native to Mediterranean
  • sensitive to ground fungi

Sweet Bay is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, where it grows to a height of 40'.

Pot grown specimens generally achieve a height of 6', and can be cultivated into a dense, multi-trunked patio plant.   Florida grown Sweet Bay typically reaches 12-15' height, if planted in the ground.

sweet bay leaf tree -- used as a culinary seasoning

BAY LEAF

Bay can be temperamental to grow as a young plant. It prefers rich, well-drained soil, and lots of sun. But in this part of FL, it seems to prefer at least some partial shade in the summer high heat,  and definitely does not like to dry out. 

Old growth tolerates temperatures down to about 10-15 degrees.  New growth is frost tender.  Cold tolerance develops as the plant ages.

Growth is slow on a young bay tree until it develops a good root system. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with organic soil amendments, supplemented by weekly or bi-weekly doses of fish fertilizer.

Dark green, highly aromatic foliage
can be used as a flavorful culinary seasoning.