The ideal care for the real laurel

The ideal care for the real laurel

How often should you water the real laurel?

Since the spice laurel originally comes from the Middle East and is native to the Mediterranean region, the plants can withstand brief periods of drought even in sunny locations. With plants in pots, however, you should water regularly, as their root balls are more dried out by wind and sun than with outdoor plants. You should also water the real bay laurel adequately in winter quarters, since damage caused by drought is more often the reason for brown leaves than damage caused by frost due to temperatures that are too low.

also read

  • Hibernate real laurel properly
  • Real laurel - overwinter and care
  • The perfect location for the laurel

How can you repot spice laurel?

The Laurus nobilis is ideally repotted after overwintering if its growth makes this necessary. It can have a positive effect on the development of the bay if the shoots and roots are slightly cut back when repotting.

When and how is the Laurus nobilis pruned?

Since the real bay leaf is very compact and also grows rather slowly, it does not necessarily have to be cut regularly. However, with a targeted shape cut, geometric shapes or animal figures can be raised from a laurel tree. In general, pruning should be done after the first growth spurt at the end of April or beginning of May. Leaves and twigs for drying as a spice can, however, be harvested during the entire growing season.

What pests are there and how do you protect plants from them?

Pests such as spider mites or aphids prefer to attack the bay leaf when it is overwintered too warm. This can be remedied by showering the plants and moving them to a cooler place with a room temperature of below 10 degrees Celsius.

What to do with diseases and brown leaves

Since the real bay leaf is a very robust plant, it is usually not attacked by diseases. Deficiency symptoms such as yellow, brown or falling leaves are mostly due to damage caused by drought or rotten roots due to waterlogging.

How often should the laurel bush be fertilized?

Since Laurus nobilis is a very undemanding plant, fertilization in good soil is not absolutely necessary. However, from spring to autumn, the following fertilizers can be used about every 14 days:

  • liquid complete fertilizer
  • Horn shavings
  • Blue grain

However, you should proceed sparingly, otherwise the shoots may grow unsightly in length with increased leaf spacing.

How can the real laurel be overwintered in this country?

In mild locations, the real laurel can spend the winter outdoors. Most of the time, however, it is necessary to place it in a pot in a cellar or garage with temperatures between freezing and around 10 degrees Celsius.

Tips & Tricks

Use the pruning of the plant for topiary purposes in order to simultaneously dry the resulting cut material as a spice store.

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