How to Plant Bay Tree Cuttings

Bay trees, also known as Laurus nobilis, are popular evergreen shrubs that are frequently grown for their aromatic leaves which are used in cooking. Growing bay trees from cuttings is a quick and cost-effective way to propagate your own bay tree plants. The following guide provides helpful tips on how to plant bay tree cuttings successfully.

What You Will Need

Before planting bay tree cuttings, you will need to gather a few supplies. These include:

Healthy bay tree cuttings, obtained from a mature and healthy bay tree plant in early to mid-summer.

Clean and sterilized pruning shears or a sharp knife for taking cuttings.

Potting soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients.

Propagation tray or a suitable pot, with drainage holes in the bottom.

Transparent plastic bag or plastic wrap to cover the pot or propagation tray.

A watering can or spray bottle for watering.

How to Plant Bay Tree Cuttings

Follow these simple steps to plant bay tree cuttings:

Take your bay tree cuttings early in the morning while the plant is still moist from dew, or on a cool and cloudy day.

Cut a section of stem that's about 6 inches long, making sure to use clean and sterilized pruning shears or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant tissue.

Remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone, which will help the cutting establish roots.

Fill your pot or propagation tray with well-draining and nutrient-rich potting soil, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top of the pot or tray.

Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and insert your bay tree cutting into the hole, making sure that the cut end is covered with soil and the remaining leaves are above the soil line.

Mist the soil generously using a watering can or spray bottle and cover the pot or tray with a transparent plastic bag or plastic wrap, which will help to maintain humidity levels that are optimal for rooting.

Place your pot or propagation tray in a warm, bright and sheltered location, out of direct sunlight, and water as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

After approximately 8-12 weeks, your bay tree cuttings should have established roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or into your garden.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help ensure success when planting bay tree cuttings:

Make sure to take cuttings from a healthy and mature bay tree plant, as this will improve the chances of successful rooting.

Always use clean and sterilized pruning shears or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant tissue when taking cuttings.

Allow enough room between cuttings to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients while roots are establishing.

Water your cuttings regularly, but avoid over-watering that can lead to root rot.

Covering the cuttings with a transparent plastic bag or plastic wrap helps to keep the humidity levels optimal for rooting.

Keep your cuttings in a warm, bright, and sheltered environment, away from direct sunlight for best results.

In Conclusion

Growing bay trees from cuttings is an easy and cost-effective way to propagate your own plants, without the need to buy new plants every year. With these simple steps and tips for success, you can soon have beautiful and aromatic bay tree plants growing in your garden, providing a tasty and fragrant addition to your culinary creations.