How to Grow Bay Laurel in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Slow-growing evergreen that is well worth the wait, with fresh leaves far more aromatic than dried. Best bought as a plant since seed is very slow. Keep it pruned as a large shrub, topiary or tub specimen, and it thrives in the warm north once established.
When to plant bay laurel in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
Best bay laurel varieties for NZ
- Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), The true culinary bay, a slow-growing evergreen best bought as a plant. (Garden centres, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow bay laurel
- Space plants about 200cm apart.
- Sow seed around 10cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 30 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Scale, Bay sucker (psyllid). See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Bay Laurel in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Bay Laurel plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant bay laurel in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy bay laurel seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Garden centres, Mr Fothergill's NZ.