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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Florida?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Florida last frost

mid-January

Florida first frost

late December

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Florida

Direct sow

Jan 10

Harvest

Jul 9 – Jan 10

Dates are approximate, based on Florida'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 Florida

Florida is largely subtropical to tropical. North Florida has mild winters; South Florida and the Keys are essentially frost-free. Year-round growing is standard statewide.