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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Texas?

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Texas last frost

mid-February

Texas first frost

early December

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Texas

Direct sow

Feb 15

Harvest

Aug 14 – Feb 15

Dates are approximate, based on Texas'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 Texas

Texas spans more climate zones than any state except California — from Zone 6 in the Texas Panhandle to Zone 9b in the Rio Grande Valley. Most Texans garden in Zone 7-8 with hot long summers.

See what grows well in Texas →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Bay Laurel in Texas?

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

What zone is Texas?

Texas spans USDA Zone 8a (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b).

When do you plant Bay Laurels in Texas?

Plant Bay Laurels Feb 15, harvest Aug 14 – Feb 15.