How to Grow Bay Leaves in Pots
Bay leaf is a perennial herb that has a variety of purposes. Sweet bay, or bay laurel, has shiny, dark-green leaves with long woody stems that produce flavorful leaves. There are many varieties of bay leaf, some of which are toxic when consumed. For culinary purposes, the gardener should grow only bay plants that clearly state on the label that they are safe for consumption. Growing bay leaf in pots maximizes the most out of small spaces, while making caring and maintenance an easier task. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bay plants
- 12-inch pots
- Gravel
- Good quality potting mix enriched with compost and sand
- Watering can
- Pruning shears
- Liquid fertilizer
Instructions
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Pick healthy, bright green bay plants in early spring. Avoid plants that look slightly wilted, dried out or have yellow spots on the leaves.
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2
Ensure all the 12-inch planting pots have adequate drainage holes in the bottom. Bay roots will rot when left in standing water.
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3
Add a 2-inch layer of gravel to the bottom of each pot. The gravel will ensure the soil has the proper amount of drainage so the roots will not become over-soaked.
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4
Fill the planting pot three-fourths of the way good quality potting mix. The potting mix should contain compost, such as manure, and sand for aeration. Use a watering can to water the soil so it settles into the pot.
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5
Place the bay plant on top of the potting mix, and pour more mix into the pot to bury the bay plant at the same level as the original packaging.
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Place the bay pots outdoors in an area that receives full sun. If possible, have the pots in an easy-to-reach location, such as a patio or outside near a kitchen window.
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Water the bay pots two to three times per week. Water the bay pots with a watering can until water runs out from the bottom of the drainage holes. Allow the potting soil to dry out slightly between watering. The watering may be more frequent during hotter weather.
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Prune the bay plant every spring, using pruning shears, to encourage bushier growth.
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9
Feed the bay plant at least twice a year with a liquid fertilizer, per label instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring the bay pots indoors, and provide them with plenty of light during the winter months.
Plant just one bay plant per pot, as they need adequate room for their extensive root systems.
References
- Photo Credit John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images
