Bay leaf after winter: How to bring it back to life

When one wants to make drowning, cook traditional soup or pickle, it is very difficult to imagine without one traditional spice. Yes, it is undoubtedly the bay leaf. The glory of bay is almost endless and it is hard to imagine an herb bed without it. That’s why it’s worth having at least as part of your herb garden. In sunny Italy, for example, we can find entire hedges that include laurel. You can pick a bay leaf there without any problems. But it’s unnecessary. It will grow here too. But after winter, it’s often a bit damaged. So how do you restart it?

Dry bay leaves after winter are a classic

It’s usually enough to look at the plant itself. You can see for yourself in our photo. It clearly demonstrates this fact. Some leaves are completely brown and basically unusable. The reason is quite clear. It’s the rather frosty weather. In winter, the frosts were quite hard and we left the bay leaves unprotected. As a result of the winter before last, we simply allowed it. Otherwise, at the very least, the plant needs to be protected with fabric when it can’t be moved to warmth in a bucket or pot. In Italy and other countries, such frosts do not hit over the winter.

Dry parts must be removed, pruning is ideal

The first thing to do is to remove the dead leaves. The ideal is to cut the whole plant. Branches with dead leaves should be removed. This will not harm the plant, but it should thicken and ensure healthy growth. You can see for yourself on our plant, which we have pruned properly. The branches themselves should certainly not be missing.

Bay leaf after winter: Photo Radek Stepan

Increased watering is worthwhile, fertilizing is not necessary

The winter minimum will probably not be enough for the laurel anymore. That’s why it’s worth increasing the watering to a standard level. But beware of overwatering the plant, it really doesn’t like it. Fertiliser can be used for herbs, but it is not a necessity. We do not fertilise herbs, including laurel, and they are doing well.

Check for pests

This task is certainly not out of place. Traditionally, aphids appear on laurel. But this often happens later, not now right away in spring. Care should also be taken with bedbugs. But just look at the leaves and you’ll be clear.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about spring bay leaf care

What else is the bay leaf called and where is its home?

Lawn and it usually grows in southern Europe.

How to identify parts of laurel that have not survived the winter?

Simply, the leaves are completely brown.

Why not fertilize laurel?

It doesn’t need it, it pulls nutrients from the soil anyway.

Sources of info: Author-grower

Bob leaf after winter: Preview photo and photo gallery by Radek Stepan