Bay Laurel in Zone 6A — Great Plains

Bay Laurel adds a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your Great Plains cooking, and it’s surprisingly well-suited to our climate. The aromatic leaves elevate soups, stews, and sauces, bringing a taste of the sun to your kitchen, even during the coldest months. Plus, there's real satisfaction in growing your own herbs, especially one that thrives despite our variable weather.

Growing Bay Laurel in Zone 6A has its challenges. We deal with extreme temperature swings and the occasional hail risk. But with careful timing and a little protection, you can successfully grow Bay Laurel within our 188-day growing season.

Starting Bay Laurel from seed indoors is possible, but honestly, it's a long game. Expect it to take years to reach a usable size. If you're patient, start seeds indoors from late January through mid-February, giving them about 12 weeks before transplanting.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix and provide consistent warmth and light. Bottom watering helps prevent damping-off, which can be a problem with slow-growing seedlings. Remember, spring in the Plains can be variable, so be prepared to adjust your indoor setup as needed.

Transplant your Bay Laurel outdoors from late April through early May, once the risk of a hard frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Space plants 48-96 inches apart to allow for their mature size. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as we can still get some late freezes or even hail this time of year. Honestly, you're better off buying an established plant from a nursery; it will save you years of waiting.

Established Bay Laurel plants are moderately drought-tolerant, which is a definite plus in the Great Plains. However, consistent watering is crucial, especially during our hot summer months. Container plants will need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.

During the growing season, aim to give your Bay Laurel about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Use the finger test: stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our low-to-moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around the base of the plant with wood chips or straw helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful during our extreme temperature swings.

Bay Laurel doesn't require heavy pruning, but shaping it in the spring helps maintain its size and appearance. You can prune to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as to control its overall shape.

Avoid pruning too heavily in the late fall, as this can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage. As the first frost approaches around mid-October, leave the plant alone to harden off for winter.

You can start harvesting Bay Laurel leaves from late April through early November. Mature, dark green leaves have the strongest flavor, so look for those. You can harvest individual leaves as needed throughout the growing season.

To harvest, simply snip off the leaves with scissors or pruning shears. Avoid stripping the entire plant at once, as this can weaken it. For continuous production, harvest regularly, encouraging new growth. As the first frost approaches in mid-October, harvest any remaining leaves you want to dry for winter use.

Here are the top 3 problems you might encounter with Bay Laurel in the Great Plains:

Scale Insects

• What it looks like: Small, brown, shell-like bumps on the stems and leaves.
• What causes it: Scale insects are attracted to stressed plants. Drought stress in our variable rainfall can make Bay Laurel vulnerable.
• How to fix/prevent it: Regularly inspect your plants for scale. Treat infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure consistent watering during dry periods.

Cold Damage (below zone 8)

• What it looks like: Brown or black leaves, dieback of branches, especially after a cold snap.
• What causes it: Bay Laurel is only semi-hardy and can suffer damage during our extreme temperature swings and harsh winters.
• How to fix/prevent it: Plant in a sheltered location with wind protection essential. Consider growing in a container so you can move it indoors during the coldest months. Wrap the plant with burlap for extra insulation.

Slow Growth

• What it looks like: Plant remains small and doesn't seem to grow much from year to year.
• What causes it: Bay Laurel is naturally a slow grower, but poor soil or inadequate sunlight can exacerbate the problem.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure your plant is in well-draining soil and receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Amend the soil with compost to improve fertility. Be patient!

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall mean that Bay Laurel needs consistent watering, wind protection, and protection from extreme temperature swings to thrive. Pay close attention to the weather forecast and be prepared to take action to protect your plant when necessary.

Good companion plants for Bay Laurel include green beans, rosemary, and sage. Green beans help fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the Bay Laurel. Rosemary and sage are drought-tolerant and share similar growing conditions, reducing competition for resources. Plus, their strong scents can help deter pests.

Avoid planting Bay Laurel near aggressive plants that might compete for water and nutrients.