The so-called real laurel (Laurus nobilis) has been used as a medicinal and spice plant for thousands of years by harvesting and drying the leaves and berries. For use in your own kitchen, you can plant the laurel on the balcony using simple means.
How can I grow and harvest laurel on my balcony?
To plant laurel on the balcony, you need permeable, humus-rich substrate, a sunny location and regular watering. Hand-cut individual branches and dry them for use in the kitchen.
Choose the right substrate for true laurel
Basically, the real laurel prefers a rather sandy soil that should be permeable and humus-rich. However, when growing laurel on the balcony, care should be taken to ensure that the soil used can store moisture well. Otherwise, regular care and watering will be necessary, as sun and wind can cause potted laurel on the balcony to dry out very quickly.
Location and water supply
As a plant from the Near East and the Mediterranean region, laurel should always be grown in a location with full sun. If necessary, the plant can also be planted in semi-shady places, but it does not thrive as well there as in sunny and warm places. Although laurel tolerates waterlogging poorly, the fine and sensitive roots must not dry out. Water real laurel as a potted plant on the balcony vigorously at least once or twice a week in summer, depending on wind and sunlight. You can usually achieve a better harvest if you place the laurel on the balcony, protected from the wind.
Harvesting and processing laurel correctly
Electric hedge trimmers (€84.00 on Amazon) should not be used to cut even strong-growing laurel bushes. Cut leaves on the laurel bush quickly turn brown and can be a target for diseases. For use in the kitchen, individual branches are cut by hand and hung with the tips downwards to dry. The dried leaves can then be used to flavor various dishes:
- Soups
- Beef steaks
- Stews
- Cucumber and pumpkin broth
Tips & Tricks
The real laurel can only overwinter outdoors in very mild locations in this country; it is very difficult for it to survive the winter on the balcony, even when wrapped in fleece. Therefore, it is better to plan a place for him in the garage or in an unheated, bright shed as winter quarters.
