Plant bay laurel in spring after frost, with the crown at the same level it grew in the pot. Choose ground that drains, then water it in.
Plant it in spring, with the crown at the soil line
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | After the last spring frost, so roots take before winter | Do not plant into frozen or waterlogged ground |
| Hole | Twice as wide as the root ball, no deeper than it grew in the pot | Do not bury the crown, which invites rot |
| Soil | The soil you dug, with grit mixed in if it is heavy | Do not drop it into a wet clay pocket |
| Standard | Stake a lollipop tree for the first year so the stem stays straight | Do not skip a stake on a tall, top-heavy standard in wind |
bay laurel goes in after frost, in a hole as deep as the pot and about twice as wide. Set the crown at the soil line. Tease circling roots, backfill, and water thoroughly. [1] If the soil is heavy, mix grit into the backfill so water can leave. A trained standard needs a stake for the first year. [2] Sun, drain, and the first-year watering calendar live on How to Grow Bay Laurel.
- Wait until after the last spring frost.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the pot.
- Set the crown at the soil line. Do not bury the stems.
- Backfill. Add grit if the soil holds water after rain.
- Water in. Keep the soil just moist until new growth shows.
When do I plant bay laurel?
After the last spring frost, with the crown at the soil line, in ground that drains.
Space a specimen farther apart than a hedge
Leave about 6 to 8 feet between plants if you want a small tree or a loose screen. For a tighter hedge, set plants about 3 to 4 feet apart. Give a single specimen room to mature, or plan to clip it. [3] Plant at the same depth it grew in the nursery pot. [4]
- Mark 6 to 8 feet for a specimen or a loose screen.
- Mark about 3 to 4 feet for a clipped hedge.
- Keep the row straight with a string if you are planting a hedge.
How far apart do I plant bay laurel?
About 6 to 8 feet for a specimen. About 3 to 4 feet for a hedge.
If a new plant sulks, check depth and wet ground first: keep the crown at the soil line and skip a hole that holds water.
FAQ
Can I plant bay laurel in fall?
In a mild-winter climate, early fall is fine if the soil still drains. After a hard frost date, wait until spring.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Growing in the Garden -
https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-grow-propagate-bay-laurel-plants/ - [2] Royal Horticultural Society -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/bay/grow-your-own - [3] NC State Extension -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/laurus-nobilis/ - [4] Gardener's Path -
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/bay-laurel/
This note is part of Laurus Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors