As a typical plant of the Mediterranean region and the Near East, the laurel (Laurus nobilis) is dependent on a sunny and warm location in this country. Cultivation in a pot makes it easier to overwinter, as the laurel is sensitive to frost and can only survive outdoors all year round in Central Europe in very sheltered locations.

The right substrate for the laurel

When growing plants in tubs, there is generally a higher risk of drying out in summer. Since potted laurels are often placed in particularly sunny places or on the balcony, there is an even greater need for regular care and watering. Nevertheless, the fine roots of the laurel are also sensitive to waterlogging, which is why it should not be watered every day. Fill the pot intended for the laurel with a loose and permeable substrate. Ideally, this should have a certain amount of sand and must not be too heavily mixed with fertilizer.

Properly overwinter bay leaves in pots

Even in mild locations, you should not let your laurel bushes overwinter unprotected in the pot. Since the roots of potted plants are even more exposed to frosty air temperatures than specimens planted in the ground, you should prefer a cool shed or basement room as winter quarters. However, make sure that the plants are sufficiently bright and watered in winter, otherwise they can get yellow or brown leaves over the winter.

Harvest and use laurel in the pot correctly

If the specimens you are growing are plants propagated from cuttings, you should first allow them sufficient development time. Harvest a maximum of single leaves in the first year for use in the following recipes:

  • fried beef steaks
  • spicy sauces and stews
  • Mediterranean pasta dishes

From the second year you can also cut off entire branches from the laurel. However, you should always use hand shears, as when using electric hedge shears, unsightly drying halves of the leaves usually remain on the plants.

tips and tricks

Fresh bay leaves flavor every dish intensively. After drying, the dosage of laurel in the kitchen is usually a little easier.

Category:

Trees