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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Tennessee?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Tennessee last frost

mid-March

Tennessee first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Tennessee

Direct sow

Mar 15

Harvest

Sep 11 – Mar 15

Dates are approximate, based on Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate transitioning to continental in the east. Nashville is Zone 7a; the Appalachians are Zone 6a-6b. Long productive growing seasons.