How to Care for a SWEET BAY (HERB) Tree Laurus nobilis SELECT SITE:

Light Requirements: Full Sun (more than 6 hrs/day) is ideal; Part Sun (4-6 hrs/day) is okay. A South facing window and/or location is best. Recommended use is as an attractive houseplant. This tree will grow larger, in its native Mediterranean habitat, it typically reaches 40’ or more. In pots, the tree can be easily trimmed to desired size because it is a very slow growing plant. Thrives in an organically rich, fast draining potting soil. Garden Uses: Culinary or potpourri houseplant. Ideal USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 8,9,10,11 (must be used as a houseplant in every other Zone)

PLANT PREP:

Open box upon arrival, remove packing materials to let the plant “breathe”. Remove plastic bag, tape, and newspaper. Water well. There are drainage holes in the bottom of the pot so do this over a sink basin where the extra water will drain away.

PLANTING/REPOTTING:

Transplant the plant into a larger pot, upon arrival and in any future years, when the roots of the plant have become crowded but before becoming root bound. Choose a container that is 1-2” wider than the current pot, with a drainage hole in the bottom. Use an all-purpose potting mix (not garden soil) and begin by filling the new pot about ½ full of potting mix. Remove the plant from its pot and set the root ball on top of the mix. Adjust the height so that the top of the roots sit about 1” below the rim. Fill the pot with additional potting soil and gently push down soil firmly. Water thoroughly. Provide a layer of mulch to reduce water evaporation and for aesthetics.

FUTURE MAINTENANCE:

Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry when tested about 1” below the surface. The soil should never dry out completely.

The shape of the tree is easily maintained by an occasional snipping; no special pruning needed. To Harvest: Simply snap off a leaf to use in cooking or potpourri. Try not to remove more than 1/3rd of the leaves at any one time. Older leaves generally have more flavor, with the flavor being at its strongest in mid- to-late summer. Wash leaves prior to use.

In Fall and Winter, move the plant to a cool room, ideally where the temperature is set at or below 60˚ F. In Spring and Summer, when the plant is actively growing, any place above freezing is fine, including outdoors. Be sure to acclimate the plant to the outdoor environment by keeping it in a lightly shaded location for the summer.

If desired, fertilize in Spring when new growth begins, and monthly until October. Apply a houseplant, slow release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) upon the soil in a band around the plant at least 3” away from its trunk.

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