Edibles – Herbs – Little Ragu Sweet Bay

Little Ragu Sweet Bay 

 Botanical name: laurus nobilis ‘monrik’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: reaches 6-8 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone:  zones 8-11

Foliage color:  green 

Growth rate:  grows about 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth emerges to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings during the summer months 

Landscape use:  hedge, topiary, container plant, herb garden, culinary garden 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: compact size, aromatic foliage, can prune to look more like a tree or a shrub depending on preference, edible foliage, deer resistant, drought tolerant 

Watering instructions: allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once in the early spring, and again in the early summer 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall 

Best type of soil: sand or loam 

Companion plants: mediterranean herbs 

Toxicity level: toxic for pets if ingested but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no