This handsome pyramid shaped tree makes a superb tub specimen, hedging plant or topiary sculpture due to its positive response to pruning. The leaves of the bay are used as the popular culinary seasoning used in all types of cooking throughout the world. To store bay leaves, pick early in the day and dry quickly under weight to prevent curling. Store in an air-tight jar. Bay is an essential ingredient of bouquet garni, to make your own simply tie together 3 stalks of parsley, 1 sprig of thyme and a bay leaf, great added to stews, casseroles and vegetarian dishes, remove before serving.
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 4-8 | High | No | Evergreen | most of year |
We welcome your Tips on Bay Tree. Share Your Tip.
Good tub plant if you want to use the leaves for cooking. Mine has lived happily potted for tens years so far. Tough as a boot. | David White - Newcastle, NSW 28-May-2006
Or you can let it go wild. Mine started out as 2 leaves in a tube and is now bigger than my house. Bouquets garni anyone? | Amanda Le Bas De Plumetot - Sel, VIC 10-Oct-2006
If you want a drought tolerent tree this is it. Ours was to the point of dead looking trunks and leaves and, with the root ball shrunk away from the pot. I nearly threw it in the compost. However, with some water it came back, unbelievable! | Ian Paterson - Rushworth, VIC 31-Dec-2007
Works just as well: Myrtlewood leaves. If you don't live in the S. OR coast and N. CA areas, it may be very hard to get. It's EVERYWHERE here, though. Also a good (and safe!) bug repelent for people and pets. | Angela Hanan - Coos Bay , OR 22-Jul-2008
Can someone tell me how long it takes to grow | Tina - Beaumaris, VICTORIA 15-Dec-2008
Bay Tree Care - Growing and caring for Bay trees.
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