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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Louisiana?

US · USDA Zone 8b · zones 8a, 8b, 9a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Louisiana last frost

late January

Louisiana first frost

mid-December

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Louisiana

Direct sow

Jan 30

Harvest

Jul 29 – Jan 30

Dates are approximate, based on Louisiana'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 Louisiana

Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate with very mild winters and long hot summers. Year-round cool-season growing is possible; the summer is the only limiting factor.