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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Vermont?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–10b

Vermont last frost

mid-April

Vermont first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Vermont

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

Oct 12 – Apr 15

Dates are approximate, based on Vermont'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 Vermont

Vermont has a cool humid continental climate. Southern Vermont is Zone 5a-5b; northern Vermont is Zone 4a-4b. Short growing seasons are productive for cool crops, potatoes, and maple trees.