How to grow Bay in the UK
Laurus nobilis
Bay (Laurus nobilis) is a herb that grows well in UK gardens. Hardy down to about -5C. In cold areas grow in a pot you can move under cover. This guide covers when and how to sow Bay, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Herbs
Difficulty
Moderate
Position
partial sun (3–6 hrs)
Sow
spring
Harvest
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
When to sow & grow Bay
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan Harvest | Feb Harvest | Mar Harvest | Apr Plant · Harvest | May Harvest | Jun Harvest | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov Harvest | Dec Harvest |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Free-draining soil or a pot
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Position
- Sun or part shade, sheltered from cold winds
- Sowing depth
- Surface to 1 cm
- Spacing
- 20–30 cm apart
- Sowing
- Buy a plant; slow-growing evergreen
- Growing
- Protect young plants from hard frost; good in pots
- Harvest & upkeep
- Clip to shape in summer; pick leaves any time
- Watch for
- Bay sucker, scale insect
Companion planting for Bay
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Bay this year
Add Bay to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Bay FAQs
How much sun does Bay need?
Bay prefers partial sun (3–6 hrs).
When is Bay ready to harvest?
Bay is typically ready to harvest in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December in the UK.
Is Bay easy to grow?
Moderate. Hardy down to about -5C. In cold areas grow in a pot you can move under cover.