By Devi Poojari
May 21, 2024
The versatile culinary herb, which is widely used in Indian cooking – in whole and ground forms, possesses a distinct flavour that adds a note of aromatic savouriness to rice dishes, curries and more. Having your personal supply of these fresh leaves can be quite a rewarding experience when grown at home.
Select a spot in your garden or a suitable container with plenty of sunlight exposure, preferably receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight everyday.
Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
Start with a mature plant that you can purchase from a nursery and transplant it into your garden or container.
Once established, bay leaf plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but they still benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
Regularly prune the plant by pinching off the tips of new growth to encourage branching.
Wait until the leaves are mature and have developed their characteristic fragrance before harvesting.