Bay Laurel in Zone 7A — Midwest

Bay Laurel is a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. The fresh, aromatic leaves elevate your cooking, bringing a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen, and the plant itself provides lovely structure in the garden. Plus, there's real satisfaction in harvesting your own bay leaves rather than relying on the dried stuff from the store.

We know Midwest weather can be unpredictable, with cold winters and occasional summer heat spells, but don't let that deter you. Bay Laurel can thrive here with proper care and timing. Our roughly 193-day growing season gives you plenty of time to enjoy this versatile herb.

Starting Bay Laurel from seed indoors is possible, but be warned: it's a slow process. It can take years to get a usable plant. If you're patient and enjoy a challenge, you can start seeds indoors from late January through mid-February, about 12 weeks before you plan to transplant.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, and provide consistent warmth (a heat mat helps) and bright light (grow lights are ideal). Bottom watering is a great way to keep the soil moist without overwatering. Given our moderate-to-late springs, starting early indoors gives your Bay Laurel a head start.

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

Space plants 48-96 inches apart, depending on the variety and your desired size. Keep in mind that while we aim for late April, our spring weather in the Midwest can be variable. Buying an established plant from a nursery is often a faster and easier way to enjoy Bay Laurel in your garden.

Established Bay Laurel plants are moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent watering is key, especially during our summer heat spells. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch – the "finger test."

During the active growing season, aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid climate. Watch for signs of underwatering (drooping leaves) or overwatering (yellowing leaves). A layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Remember that container-grown Bay Laurel will dry out faster than plants in the ground, so check the soil moisture more frequently.

Bay Laurel requires minimal pruning. The main goal is to maintain its shape and size. You can prune lightly in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to encourage bushier growth.

Bay Laurel can handle heavy pruning, so don't be afraid to shape it as desired. Avoid pruning too late in the season, as new growth might not harden off before our first frost, typically around mid-October in the Midwest.

You can begin harvesting Bay Laurel leaves in late April and continue through early November. The best time to harvest is when the leaves are mature and dark green, as these have the strongest flavor.

Simply snip off individual leaves as needed, taking care not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As our first frost approaches in mid-October, harvest any remaining mature leaves and dry them for winter use.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Bay Laurel in the Midwest:

Scale Insects

• What it looks like: Small, brownish, shell-like bumps on the stems and leaves.
• What causes it: Scale insects thrive in warm, humid conditions. Our moderate-to-humid summers can create a favorable environment for them.
• How to fix/prevent it: Inspect your plants regularly. For small infestations, wipe off the scales with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following label instructions.

Cold Damage

• What it looks like: Brown, wilted leaves, especially after a cold snap.
• What causes it: Bay Laurel is only semi-hardy and can be damaged by our cold Midwest winters.
• How to fix/prevent it: In Zone 7A, plant in a sheltered location. If you are growing it in a container, bring it indoors or into a protected area like a garage or shed during the coldest months. Wrap the plant with burlap for extra protection.

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, and our variable spring weather and occasional summer heat spells can further slow its growth.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure the plant is getting adequate sunlight (4-8 hours), well-draining soil, and regular watering. Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Patience is key!

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and moderate-to-humid conditions can create a favorable environment for pests and diseases. Monitor your Bay Laurel regularly and take action promptly to prevent problems from escalating.

Companion planting can help your Bay Laurel thrive in the Midwest. Green beans are a good choice because they fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the Bay Laurel. Rosemary and sage are also good companions, as their strong scents can help deter pests. Avoid planting Bay Laurel near anything that requires very heavy feeding, as it prefers moderate soil fertility.