How to care for bay leaf in winter

Laurel (Laurus nobilis) aka bay leaf is starting to appear on windowsills around this time and we completely understand. Everyone wants to have this wonderful herb fresh and ready. But did you know that winter months are the most crucial for the continued survival of bay leaf?

Unfortunately, in our climate conditions, bay leaf cannot survive outside in winter so, you need to move the plant inside, or if you cannot do that you need to cover it with fabric or bubble wrap. Use a foam pipe insulation for the trunk.

Mulching is highly recommended

Mulch will help you to protect roots. It does not matter whether they are growing in a flower port or outside. Foliage or straw works great. The goal is to provide plants with the necessary insulation that will protect it from cold. If you notice brown leaves, remove them because they will not grow again anyway but they can still drain nutrients.

Photo: Pixabay

Do not remove shoots as new leaves may grow on them. Even if shoots look like they are not growing and even if they will not grow, leave them on the plant and observe them. You will see that many of them will come back to life. If they do not, you may remove them .

Watch leaves

Once leaves start turning brown, it usually means that the top of the plant has died, but if roots are well-protected from frost, new shoots may sprout from the base. In late winter, you need to prune. Leave trunk about 10 cm tall and apply multi-nutrient fertiliser. Correct pruning and plenty of nutrients can literally bring the plant back to life.

Pay attention not only to the correct cut but to the optimal height too. Do not forget that these plants need fertilization in early spring. After that, you may fertilize every two weeks until the hibernation period comes back.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://zena.aktualne.cz/vavrin-bobkovy-list/r~i:wiki:4719/