The real laurel is not only a practical and attractive container plant for use as a medicinal and aromatic herb after the leaves have been harvested. With appropriate propagation, it can also be used for planting hedges along sunny walls in mild locations.

Propagate laurel by cuttings

Propagating laurel from cuttings is advantageous for a number of reasons. Since the laurel can achieve strong growth with good care, you should regularly cut it back into the desired shape. However, the relatively large leaves are unsightly cut through with a convenient cut with an electric hedge trimmer (€24.99), so that they subsequently turn brown and are susceptible to diseases. An alternative is the manual cutting of individual branches with pruning shears, whereby the resulting branches can be used as cuttings. These are rooted either in the water glass or in the cultivation substrate. With the latter method, you should put small plastic cups over the branches to increase the humidity.

Use root suckers for propagation

When cultivating laurels outdoors or in pots, natural root shoots can unexpectedly form. If they leave the radius you want at a location, you can use them for propagation. Cut off the runners with a piece of root and plant them in a sunny spot or in a pot on the balcony. In the first few weeks after separating from the mother plant, make sure you have an adequate water supply.

Growing laurel offshoots from seed

Cultivating offshoots from seeds does take some time, but it's relatively easy. To do this, simply follow the steps below:

  • soaking the seeds in water for about two days
  • put the seeds about one centimeter deep in sandy substrate
  • keep the seeds evenly warm and moist for about two to three weeks during germination

tips and tricks

If you want to use twigs from the real laurel for the cuttings, you should not use very fresh shoots, as their leaves are still too soft and sensitive.

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Trees