Description
Bay leaf is also known as sweet laurel leaf is a dried leaf or ever green shrub that belongs to the family of Lauraceae and whose botanical name is Laurus nobilis. Bay leaf is indigenous to Asia. The shape of the leaf is elliptical. In India, bay leaves are popularly known as Tej Patta in Hindi and are mainly used as a culinary herb.
Spring or Fall planting is recommended, especially in hot areas. Spring shipments should arrive after the ground has thawed and the danger of hard frost has passed. Fall shipments should arrive several weeks before freezing weather, although you can plant later if you will mulch the plants.
Tej Patta has aromatic leaves which are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
| Common Name |
Tej Patta, Bay Leaf, Tamalpatra, True Cinnamon |
| Flower Colour | – |
| Bloom Time | – |
| Height Specification | 2 to 3 feet |
| Growing Care | Easy to grow |
Medicinal Use
- Medicinal Use:
- Unverified information Root and leaves-used in intermittent fevers, biliousness, jaundice. It is also in rheumatic affections; bruised in salt water, used in skin diseases.
- A decoction of the root bark is given to women to control fits at the time of delivery.
- Note: Please consult your health expert.
Care for Tej Patta Plant
- Keep the plant in Full Sun to partial shade.
- Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
- Water when topsoil (1-2inches) feels dry to touch.
- Do not re-pot for min. 2 weeks after receiving it
- Do not overwater the plant.
- Water thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in the winter and rainy seasons.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Also, prepare the soil with fertilizers and plant feed before planting the tree.
- Apply the organic fertilizer.
- During the main growing season feed the curry plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
- Loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake nutrients and moisture easily.
- The vines need to be trained early when they are young so tie or just weave them through trellis sections.
- It is best to grow under trees as they provide shade and need to plant in free ventilation.
- Apply leaf mulch and manure.
- It is beneficial if shoots are pruned twice a year.
- Fertilize the plant in spring just before new growth appears.
- For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil, or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.
- You can start to harvest bay once the plant is a couple of years old. The leaves should be dried before use, as the fresh bay is bitter. The best wait time is around 48 to 72 hours from the time you pick a leaf.
Disclaimer: The image is for reference purposes only. The actual product may vary in shape or appearance based on climate, age, height, etc.
