Laurus nobilis

Our Bays, also know as "Bay Laurel" or "Sweet Bay", are the perfect gift for any avid cook and a must in your herb gardening efforts.  These herb plants, among our most popular, are mature Bay plants that have been growing in our greenhouses for almost a year.  Our Bay Trees have a thick woody stem and gorgeous, waxy green leaves.

Please note that Bay Leaf Plants are SLOW growers and our plants are, on average, 2.5" - 3" high.

The Bay Trees are offered in a 4" grower pot and when fresh, the smell of this noble herb reminds you of balsam, clove, mint, and some say even honey! This popular culinary herb has beautiful, broad shiny leaves and is slow growing but easy to care for. We also offer our popular Bay Tree Plants in decorative pots - the perfect gift! Bays are ideal for container growing because of their slow growth and can be shaped into decorative topiaries. Difficult to grow from seed, Bays can take up to 6 months to germinate, so patience is very important with this Mediterranean native.

The bay leaf is well known for its use in hearty stews and other long-simmering dishes. The slightly sharp, peppery, almost bitter taste adds much to dinner. Add the whole leaves at the beginning of the cooking process and remember to remove them before serving. Bay makes a good meal great by adding its earthy taste and when kept in proper conditions, has a long shelf life of about a year.

Bays have also been very important medicinally and culturally throughout time. A symbol of high class and victory in Greek and Roman history, crowns of bay leaves were worn by athletes, scholars, politicians and the upper class. Medicinally, Bays have been used to treat earaches, rashes caused by poison ivy, rheumatism, arthritis and even high blood pressure. The pungent oil found in Bays also makes a great natural insect repellent.

Bays make excellent potted herbs!

Make sure to get a great pot to compliment your Bay! Our Lime Ceramica Pot comes in two stylish sizes. Re-pot your Bay when needed so that it doesn't get root-bound. Remember, a plant will only get as big as the pot you plant it in, so try both of these beautiful sizes today!