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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Hawaii?

US · USDA Zone 12b · zones 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Hawaii last frost

no frost

Hawaii first frost

no frost

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Hawaii

Direct sow

Jan 1

Harvest

Jun 30 – Jan 1

Dates are approximate, based on Hawaii'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 Hawaii

Hawaii is tropical with year-round warmth. Zone varies dramatically by elevation — coastal areas are Zone 11-12 while Mauna Kea slopes reach Zone 9. Year-round growing throughout.