Bay - Laurus nobilis
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
40–60cm height; 30–50cm spread.
Overview
An evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic leaves. Grow in sun and well-drained soil, and pick little and often to keep plants bushy. Use leaves to flavour soups, stews and sauces.
- Vegetable Type: Bay
- Key Characteristic: Aromatic leaves for slow-cooked dishes and soups.
- Hardiness: Hardy (tolerates normal UK winter conditions).
PLANTING ADVICE
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil or compost. Suitable for both ground and pots.
- Outdoor cultivation
Grow outdoors in a sunny, well-drained position.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Not usually required for greenhouse cultivation.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Harvest little and often to keep plants bushy and productive. Remove flower stems where leafy growth is preferred. Trim back lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Watering: Water sparingly once established, as these herbs prefer drier conditions.
- Feeding: Feed lightly with a general-purpose fertiliser during active growth; avoid overfeeding.
- Cutting and prunning: Trim lightly after flowering to keep plants compact and encourage fresh growth.
- Harvesting: Snip leaves regularly, ideally before flowering, for the strongest flavour.
- Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly.
Verve recommends...
- Harvest little and often to keep plants productive and performing at their best.