As a typical plant of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, the real laurel (Laurus nobilis) depends on a sunny and warm location in this country. Growing it in a pot makes overwintering easier, as the laurel is sensitive to frost and in Central Europe can only survive outdoors all year round in very protected locations.
How do you care for laurel in a pot?
To grow laurel in a pot, you need a loose, well-drained substrate with some sand. Ensure regular watering, but avoid waterlogging. In winter the pot should be in a cool, bright room, frost-free and with sufficient water supply.
The right substrate for the laurel
When growing plants in pots, there is generally a higher risk of drying out in summer. Since potted laurel is 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 they should not be watered daily. Fill the pot intended for the laurel with a loose and well-drained substrate. Ideally, this should have a certain amount of sand and should not contain too much fertilizer.
Overwintering laurel properly in the pot
Even in mild locations, you should not let your laurel bushes overwinter in pots unprotected. 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 as winter quarters. Make sure the plants are sufficiently bright and watered in winter, otherwise they could get yellow or brown leaves over the winter.
Harvest and use laurel correctly in the pot
If the specimens you have grown are plants propagated from cuttings, you should initially allow them sufficient development time. Harvest a maximum of individual 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 onwards, you can also cut off entire branches from the laurel. However, you should always use hand shears, as when using electric hedge trimmers, unsightly drying leaf halves usually remain on the plants.
Tips & Tricks
Fresh bay leaves season every dish very intensively. After drying, dosing laurel in the kitchen is usually a little easier.