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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Oct 4 – Apr 7

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois'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 Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.