How fast do bay trees grow?
After two to three years the stem should have grown to about 90cm / 3 foot . When the tree has reached just below the required height leave four to six of the topmost shoots which emerge from the main stem to grow.
Where should I plant a bay tree?
Choose a sheltered spot protected from strong winds in full sun. If your soil isn’t well drained, consider growing plants in 30cm (12in) pots filled with soil-based or multipurpose, (including peat free) compost.
Can I plant bay leaf?
You can grow a bay tree simply as an ornamental plant or as part of your culinary arsenal. Growing a bay tree from cuttings or air layering is the common form of propagation. Cuttings should be taken in late summer and set into a soil-less medium.
Do bay trees need a lot of water?
Bay Tree Watering Just like other potted plants, pot grown bay trees have restricted access to water, so will need to be watered regularly in hot or dry periods. Water the tree regularly throughout the summer checking the soil every couple of days.
Where can I buy bay leaf plants?
Bay leaves can be purchased in most major grocery stores. Fresh bay leaves may be more difficult to find, but they are usually grouped with the fresh herbs in the produce aisle of the grocery store. Dried bay leaves come in a spice jar and can be found in the spice aisle of your grocery store.
Where to plant a sweet bay tree?
You can plant a sweet bay tree in clay, loamy or sandy soil with a pH from highly acidic to highly alkaline. It prefers a place with full sun to partial shade and tolerates moist to dry soil. Sweet bay is susceptible to the soil borne fungus phytophthora, so don’t plant it where you have had this issue before.
Are all bay trees edible?
So which bay trees are edible? Actual bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are safe , but the leathery leaves, which can be sharp on the edges, should always be removed from the dish before serving. Additionally, the following “bay” plants are also considered safe. Like Laurus nobilis, all are within the Lauraceae family.
Do bay trees produce berries?
In the spring bay trees are covered with small yellow flowers. The female bay trees will produce shiny black berries after the yellow flowers fall off. The berries of the bay tree are not edible , however. Care should be taken when harvesting bay leaves to ensure that they are free of berries.
