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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Arizona?

US · USDA Zone 9a · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Arizona last frost

late January

Arizona first frost

late December

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Arizona

Direct sow

Jan 20

Harvest

Jul 19 – Jan 20

Dates are approximate, based on Arizona'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 Arizona

Arizona spans dramatic climate zones from cool mountain forests to hot desert. Low-elevation cities like Phoenix grow year-round; high-elevation areas are Zone 5-6.