The real laurel (Laurus nobilis) is also known as a spice laurel because of its versatility as a natural medicinal herb and spice. Like the poisonous cherry laurel, the plant can be propagated in various ways.

Different types of propagation and their peculiarities

To multiply the spice laurel yourself, there are basically the following options:

  • about sowing the seeds
  • by separating and transplanting offshoots
  • by cutting and rooting cuttings

There are definitely differences between the types of propagation. For example, the cultivation of laurel trees for planting hedges or forming topiary figures from seedlings takes several years. While some laurel plants form very strong root suckers, which are suitable as a basis for new laurel trees, this may not be the case with other specimens. Propagating laurel from cuttings is only possible if you have enough material in the form of freshly cut laurel branches.

Grow bay laurel yourself from seeds

Seeds purchased from garden retailers can be germinated on the windowsill all year round. You should first soak the seeds in water for about 2 days before planting them about 1 centimeter deep in a mixture of loose soil and sand with a little space between the individual seeds. With constant moisture and a light location, the seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks. If you want to use the fruits of your own laurel trees for sowing, you must have at least two plants of different sexes at the location for successful propagation. If this is the case, self-seeding can sometimes occur around the mother plants without you having to do anything.

Use root suckers for propagation

The real laurel often has a strong tendency to form root shoots if it has a correspondingly humus-rich and loose soil at its location. As soon as the resulting shoots have reached a height of at least 10 centimeters above ground, you can separate them from the mother plant after exposing the roots. Be sure to allow the offshoot enough root material for its own development. Transplanting outdoors or in a pot is particularly gentle if done outside the growing season in spring or autumn.

Propagate laurels from cuttings

In autumn, cut half-ripe head cuttings from strong laurel bushes and stick them in an evenly moist mixture of soil and sand. These cuttings will usually form their own roots after a few months in a shady location and can then be transplanted to a sunnier spot.

tips and tricks

Potted laurels may require transplanting into a larger pot every two to three years. Not only can the plant substrate be renewed on this occasion, but you should also cut off root runners and use the branches that result from the plant pruning for the propagation of cuttings.

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Trees