Bay Laurel in Zone 6A — Mountain West

Bay Laurel is a fantastic addition to any Mountain West garden. The aromatic leaves add incredible depth to soups, stews, and sauces. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of using fresh, homegrown herbs to elevate your cooking, especially when those cool nights even in summer help concentrate the flavors.

Growing Bay Laurel in our high altitude climate does present challenges. Our short season and intense sun require careful planning. But with a little attention to timing, you can successfully cultivate this flavorful herb within our 153-day growing season.

Starting Bay Laurel from seed indoors is possible, but be warned: it’s a slow process. You have about a 3-week window, from mid February through early March, to get those seeds going. This gives them about 12 weeks indoors before transplanting.

Use seed trays with a good quality seed-starting mix. Keep them consistently warm and provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders. Bottom watering is a great way to keep the soil moist without encouraging fungal issues. Remember our spring character: late. You want to give these a head start!

Transplant your Bay Laurel outdoors in mid to late May, after the last threat of frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the intense sun and cooler nights.

Space your plants 48-96 inches apart to allow for their mature size. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late spring snow flurries or hail storms can still happen! Given how slow they are from seed, consider buying an established plant to get a jump start.

Established Bay Laurel needs moderate watering. Even though it's drought-tolerant, consistent moisture helps it thrive in our dry climate. Container plants will dry out faster than those in the ground, so keep a closer eye on them.

During the peak of summer, when daytime temperatures are around 85°F and rainfall is scarce, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger about two inches deep – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, applied at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and minimizing water loss due to low humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture in our dry climate.

Bay Laurel benefits from minimal pruning. You can prune it to maintain its shape and size. It can be heavily pruned without damage, so don't be afraid to shape it.

The best time to prune is in the spring, after the worst of the winter weather has passed. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. As the first frost approaches in early October, you can give it a final light pruning to tidy it up before winter.

You can start harvesting Bay Laurel leaves from mid May through mid October. The leaves will be ready about a year after planting. Look for mature, dark green leaves, as these have the strongest flavor.

Harvest individual leaves as needed, snipping them off with scissors or pruning shears. Be careful not to damage the main stem or branches. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining leaves for drying and storage.

Here are the top 3 problems to watch for with Bay Laurel in the Mountain West:

Scale Insects *What it looks like:* Small, raised bumps on the leaves and stems, often resembling scales. *What causes it:* These pests thrive in warm, dry conditions. Our high altitude and intense UV can stress plants, making them more susceptible. *How to fix/prevent it:* Inspect plants regularly. Remove scale insects by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Horticultural oil can also be effective.

Cold Damage *What it looks like:* Blackened or brown leaves, especially after a late spring or early fall frost. *What causes it:* Bay Laurel is only semi-hardy, and temperatures below its tolerance can cause damage. *How to fix/prevent it:* Provide protection during cold snaps. Move container plants indoors or cover them with frost cloth. Mulch around the base of in-ground plants to insulate the roots.

Slow Growth *What it looks like:* Minimal new growth, even with proper watering and fertilization. *What causes it:* Bay Laurel is naturally a slow grower, especially in our short season. Alkaline soil can also inhibit growth. *How to fix/prevent it:* Be patient! Ensure the soil is well-draining and amend with compost to improve its nutrient content. Consider using a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants to counteract our alkaline soil.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude heat, combined with low humidity and dry rainfall, can stress Bay Laurel. Consistent watering and protection from intense sun are crucial. The alkaline soil common in our region can also hinder growth, so soil amendments are often necessary.

Good companion plants for Bay Laurel in the Mountain West include:

• Green Beans: Beans help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit Bay Laurel's growth, especially in our alkaline soils.
• Rosemary: Rosemary thrives in similar conditions – full sun, well-drained soil, and low humidity. Plus, it deters some pests.
• Sage: Another Mediterranean herb that enjoys the same dry, sunny conditions as Bay Laurel. It also helps repel insects.

Avoid planting Bay Laurel near anything that requires consistently moist soil. The differing water needs will make it difficult to keep both plants happy in our dry climate.