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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in British Columbia?

Canada · Canadian Zone 8 · zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Grows well here

Bay laurel grows outdoors year-round in your zone — expect a handsome long-lived shrub.

Plant zones

8a–10b

British Columbia last frost

early March

British Columbia first frost

early December

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in British Columbia

Direct sow

Mar 1

Harvest

Aug 28 – Mar 1

Dates are approximate, based on British Columbia's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Bay Laurel

Bay laurel is the source of the bay leaf in every spice rack — a slow-growing Mediterranean shrub that can be kept compact in a container. The fresh leaves are far more aromatic than dried store-bought.

Buy a young plant rather than starting from seed (germination is extremely slow and unreliable). Grow in a large container so it can be moved indoors in cold climates. Very slow growing — harvest lightly the first year. Allow leaves to dry on the branch for best flavour.

Full bay laurel growing guide →

Gardening in British Columbia

BC has dramatically different climates. The mild rainy coast (Zone 7-9) allows near-year-round growing. The interior is semi-arid (Zone 5-7) with hot summers and cold winters. One of Canada's most productive growing regions.