Bay laurel
Laurus nobilis
Also known asSweet bay · True laurel · Bay tree · Grecian laurel · Daphne (Greek)
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 7–11 (winter low around -18°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.4 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
A long-lived container plant that works well in greenhouse hydroponic and aquaponic systems. Not a fast-growing crop; bay laurel is a perennial investment that produces leaves for decades. Large container (30 L) with well-drained media (perlite, expanded clay). EC 1.0-1.8 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 10–28°C (tolerates brief frost to about -8°C once established; young plants are more cold-sensitive). Full sun to partial shade (DLI 12-20 mol/m2/day). Growth is slow: 15–30 cm per year. Harvest individual leaves as needed, or prune branches and dry the leaves. Dried bay leaves retain flavor for 12-18 months stored in sealed containers. Fresh leaves have a stronger, slightly more bitter flavor than dried. The plant can be trained as a standard (single trunk with a rounded head) or left as a multi-stemmed shrub. Scale insects are the most common pest; inspect regularly and treat with horticultural oil if found. Bay laurel is a practical addition to any herb section of a hydroponic greenhouse: one plant, maintained for years, provides a steady supply of an expensive dried herb ($15-40/kg retail for quality Turkish or Mediterranean bay leaves).