Bay (Laurus nobilis) from Seed
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Randy Jones
Posted on: April 5, 1998

I understand that this species is difficult to grow from seed. The seed must be fresh to get a good germination percentage. I have a few questions.

When is the seed harvested? What is meant by "fresh, started late winter for the next spring season"? Should you use bottom heat? If so, what temperature do you recommend? Is a fungicide needed?

The seed is harvested in late fall and shipped to us without drying it out. When we receive it we stratify it and as soon as the seeds start to germinate in their stratification flats. In April or May we ship them out and plant the rest. The puzzling instructions must be from some other supplier who sends them out as soon as he receives then in late fall and expects the customer to plant them in a cool place where they will germinate in spring. Bottom heat is not necessary; room temperature is fine. We have never needed a fungicide, but if the seeds look a bit mouldy after being shipped it might be a good preventative.

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