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Can You Grow Bay Laurel in Wisconsin?

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

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

180–365 days

When to plant Bay Laurels in Wisconsin

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

Oct 12 – Apr 15

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.