Bay Leaf Tree (Laurus nobilis)

The Bay Leaf Tree (Laurus nobilis), also known as Sweet Bay or Bay Laurel, is a beautiful evergreen culinary herb tree that every kitchen garden should have. This is the true bay leaf used for cooking, prized for its rich, savory aroma and deep flavor. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in soups, stews, roasts, sauces, beans, broths, marinades, pickling recipes, and homemade seasoning blends.

Bay Leaf Trees grow as attractive evergreen shrubs or small trees with glossy, dark green leaves. They are slow-growing, long-lived, and very easy to keep in containers. In warmer climates, they can be planted outdoors, but in Arkansas and other colder areas, they are best grown in a pot so they can be moved into a greenhouse, sunroom, garage, or protected area during hard freezes. With good care, one plant can provide fresh bay leaves for many years.

This is a great plant for homesteaders, cooks, herbal gardeners, and anyone wanting to grow more of their own seasonings at home. Instead of buying small jars of dried bay leaves from the store, you can harvest your own leaves as needed, dry them for storage, and build a more self-sufficient kitchen right from your own yard or greenhouse.

Available now at Yahuah’s Farm — $15 each

Shipping Notice:
These Bay Leaf Trees are shipped bare root, meaning they will arrive without a pot or soil. Bare-root shipping helps keep the plant lighter, cleaner, and more affordable to ship. Because the roots are exposed during shipping, the plant may look slightly stressed when it arrives, but this is normal.

Bare Root Planting Instructions:
When your Bay Leaf Tree arrives, open the package right away. Soak the roots in clean water for 1–2 hours before planting. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with loose, well-draining soil. Plant the tree at the same depth it was previously growing, gently spread the roots out, and water it in well.

After planting, place it in a shaded or protected area for the first 3 days. Do not put it straight into full sun. After those first few days, slowly move it into brighter light over the next week. Keep the soil lightly moist while it gets established, but do not let it sit in soggy soil. Once established, Bay Leaf Trees prefer bright light, good drainage, and moderate watering.

A beautiful, useful, long-lasting plant for the kitchen, greenhouse, patio, or homestead.