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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Manitoba?

Canada · Canadian Zone 3 · zones 2, 3, 4

Won't grow here

Bay laurel is frost-tender but makes a stunning container plant that overwinters beautifully indoors.

Plant zones

8a–10b

Manitoba last frost

mid-May

Manitoba first frost

late September

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Manitoba

Direct sow

May 15

Harvest

Nov 10 – May 15

Dates are approximate, based on Manitoba'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 Manitoba

Manitoba has a cold continental climate. Winnipeg is Zone 3b-4a. Cold winters and hot summers make for an intense but short growing season. Excellent for sunflowers, canola, and cool-season vegetables.