Bay Leaf plant (Laurus nobilis)
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis ) or tej patta is an aromatic evergreen shrub or tree with green and smooth leaves. This plant is native to Mediterranean region and is commonly known as bay laurel, bay tree, true laurel, sweet bay or laurel. The bay leaf is a type of spice, its dry leaves are used in cooking. Bay leaves are often used to flavour stews, braises, soups, and pates. The leaves add aroma and essence to the food and should be removed from the cooked food before eating.
Reed also growing peppercorns plant (Piper nigrum)
Overview Bay Leaf plant
Scientific name Laurus nobilis
Common name Bay leaf, tej patta.
Plant type Spice plant
Sun required Full Sun
Soil well-drained sandy soil
Flower color Medium green
Blooming Time Spring to Summer
Zone 7-10
How to grow bay leaf plant
You can simply grow the tree as an ornamental plant or part of your culinary arsenal. The bay leaf tree is considered one of the oldest cultivated tree species. Taking care of bay tree is simple but proper protection and care should be given to the plant in cold weather. The plant can do well both in garden or a container, but the container plant will require continuous repotting to ensure proper growth of the plant. Spring season is the best to time grow the tej patta plant. And place them in an area where it is protected from the strong winds because it can damage the leaves.
Bay laurel plants care
Sunlight
The bay leaf plant blooms in spring to summer and requires full sun exposure. The plant will benefit from some afternoon shade when grown outside, and if grown inside, it will require an area receiving bright light and high humidity. A south or west-facing window is best for the plant.
Temperature
The plant is very frost sensitive and should be brought inside in the cold weather so that the cold does not kill it. The bay leaf plant can only take temperature down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the plant in an area where the temperature range is 7 to 17 degrees Celsius. You can wrap the container with bubble wrap until the spring season to protect the roots of the plant.
Soil
The bay leaf plant should be planted in a well-drained soil with a combination of substantial amount of compost. If you are growing the plant in a container, add some lime to the soil to balance out the acidic soil. A soil that is richly edited with well rotten manure or compost is very good for planting the bay leaf tree. Use a ratio of one part sand or extra-fine crumpled gravel to six parts enhanced soil. If the plant is grown in a container, make sure that plenty of drainage material is laid down before planting.
Watering
If you grow it in a container, the Bay laurel plant requires more water. Keep the plant watered, but make sure that you allow the soil to dry out in between waterings. When the top 1 inch of the soil is fry, you can figure out that it is time to water the plant. Water the plant moderately and avoid soggy roots because it can cause permanent damage to the plant. Water your plant more often during hot weather.
Fertilizing
You can grow the bay laurel plant in a container, fertilize the plant once in spring and again in mid-summer. Use a balanced organic fertilize like a 24-8-16 fertilizer, diluted at a rate of 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per 1 gallon of water. Feeding the plant will help in refreshing the top couple of inches of soil each spring. Be very careful that you don’t hurt the shallow roots. If you have not fed the plant for a few months, scatter some long-lasting but not nitrogen rich fertilizer onto the soil and gently work it into the surface.
Feed the indoor plant every two weeks from spring to august or monthly for in-ground plans. For healthy and happy plant, give the bay plant the complete plant food it needs.
Repotting laurus nobilis
Repot your plant every 2 to 3 years to ensure a healthy growth of the plant. Gently trim away approx. one-third of the roots and then remove the top two inches of the soil. Now, replant the soil in a fresh mix of amended soil and, also replace the top layer with mature compost. Add some extra soil into the bottom of the new container before you insert the plant.
Read also
How to grow Oregano at home. 10 Root vegetables easy to grow at home. 08 growing fruit trees indoors. How to grow Monstera houseplants. Holly tree growing in containers. Peaches growing in pots. Growing and care tips of petunias. Growing herbs indoors tips and care. Mistletoe cactus growing guide.
