The real laurel (Laurus nobilis) is not only a valued aromatic and medicinal plant, it can sometimes also be overwintered outdoors in sheltered locations in this country. This makes it a suitable plant variety for planting evergreen and opaque hedges all year round.

Take cuttings from the mother plants

Since the real laurel can achieve strong growth per year from a certain age, the propagation of cuttings as part of the general pruning of the plants is a practical option for propagation. The best time to propagate laurel by cuttings is in August and September. Then cut branches at least 20 centimeters long from the laurel bush and remove the lower leaves. It is important that you cut cuttings that are as semi-ripe as possible. This means that the respective shoots should not be quite old and woody, but they must not be very fresh shoots with light green, soft leaves either.

The right substrate for the propagation of laurel by cuttings

Basically, it is important for all types of cuttings propagation that the cuttings are placed in a substrate with even moisture. Therefore, mix a certain amount of peat and sand under a growing substrate that is as humus-rich and loose as possible. Although the true laurel loves full sun, cuttings should not necessarily be exposed to the full force of the sun. They would probably dry out and not be able to develop roots. It has proven to be advantageous if increased humidity is maintained during the rooting phase by covering with plastic film or by installing in the greenhouse.

Alternatives to propagation by cuttings

For the successful propagation of laurel by cuttings, the following factors are important:

  • the cutting of suitable shoot tips
  • a big enough pot
  • a suitable substrate for consistent soil moisture
  • a lot of patience until the roots develop

If you already have laurel plants in your garden or on the balcony, another way of propagating is sometimes possible. The spice laurel tends to form root suckers, which can be cut off as offshoots and planted in their own pot.

tips and tricks

The spice laurel Laurus nobilis can also be propagated by seeds, but a lot of patience is required until the first harvest of leaves for the kitchen.

WK

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Trees