Little Ragu® Sweet Bay
Little Ragu® Sweet Bay
SKU:EDB-HER-RAG-NA-2G
Little Ragu® Sweet Bay – Big Flavor, Smaller Package
Little Ragu® Sweet Bay serves up that classic Mediterranean magic in a space-saving size. This compact, upright shrub or small tree keeps things tidy with deep green, aromatic leaves that pop against reddish stems—yes, it’s as good-looking as it is useful.
Use the dried leaves to bring bold, savory flavor to soups and sauces (hello, homemade perfection). Beyond the kitchen, it’s an easy-care evergreen that fits right in whether you’re growing a formal topiary, low hedge, or just letting it do its handsome thing.
The cherry on top? This holiday-perfect plant comes complete with festive, plaid container wrapping to make gift-giving and decorating simple! The wrap comes off after the holidays so you can continue enjoying your plant.
Bonus: It thrives in containers, making it a stylish pick for patios, balconies, or sunny windows where you want beauty with a side of utility.
- Compact form perfect for small spaces
- Highly aromatic foliage with culinary value
- Evergreen structure—great year-round presence
- Ideal for hedges, topiary, or natural shapes
- Container-friendly for patios and indoor use
Product Details
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Product Category
Edibles
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Product Subcategory:
Herbs
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Botanical Name:
Laurus nobilis 'MonRik' PP #25,915
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Does Not Ship To:
AZ, OR
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Mature Height:
6-8 ft.
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Mature Width:
6-8 ft.
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Growing Zone:
8-11 outdoors
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Indoor Growing:
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Sunlight:
Full-Part Sun
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Growth Rate:
Moderate
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Harvest Time:
Year-round
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Bloom Time:
Planting Directions
<h2>How to Plant and Care for Little Ragu® Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis 'MonRik')</h2> <p><strong>Little Ragu® Sweet Bay</strong> is a compact variety of bay laurel, prized for its aromatic leaves used in cooking. It grows well in the ground or containers and is perfect for small gardens or patios.</p> <h2>Planting Instructions</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot with well-draining soil.</li> <li><strong>Soil Prep:</strong> Loosen soil 12-18" deep and mix in compost to improve drainage and nutrients.</li> <li><strong>Dig the Hole:</strong> Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill, pressing soil gently to remove air pockets.</li> <li><strong>Watering In:</strong> Water deeply until the soil is fully saturated.</li> </ul> <h2>Watering Care</h2> <ul> <li>Water deeply 2–3 times per week for the first 4–6 weeks after planting.</li> <li>Let the top 1–2" of soil dry out between waterings.</li> <li>Once established, reduce watering to once per week or less, depending on rainfall.</li> </ul> <h2>Container Planting</h2> <ul> <li>Use a pot at least 18" wide with drainage holes.</li> <li>Use a high-quality potting mix (not garden soil).</li> <li>Water when the top 1–2" of soil feels dry.</li> </ul> <h2>Fertilization & Maintenance</h2> <ul> <li>Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10).</li> <li>Prune lightly to shape after new growth appears in spring.</li> <li>Harvest leaves any time, but for best flavor, choose mature leaves.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Note:</strong> Protect from frost if temps drop below 20°F.</p>
FAQs
<h2>Little Ragu® Sweet Bay – FAQs</h2> <ul> <li> <strong>1. What is Little Ragu® Sweet Bay used for?</strong><br> Little Ragu® is a compact form of bay laurel, prized for its aromatic leaves used in cooking—especially soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also a strong ornamental pick, working well in containers, hedges, or as a tidy topiary. </li> <li> <strong>2. Can it grow in containers or indoors?</strong><br> Yes! It’s perfect for pots, especially if you're short on garden space. In colder climates, containers make it easy to bring indoors over winter. Just give it bright light and good drainage. </li> <li> <strong>3. How big does Little Ragu® get?</strong><br> Unlike standard bay trees, Little Ragu® stays relatively compact—usually 6-8 feet tall and wide. Its dense, upright habit makes it easy to manage and shape. </li> <li> <strong>4. How do I care for it?</strong><br> It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, it’s drought-tolerant. Prune lightly to shape and encourage new, flavorful leaf growth. </li> <li> <strong>5. Can I harvest the leaves for cooking?</strong><br> Absolutely! You can snip mature leaves year-round. Fresh or dried, they add classic depth to savory dishes. Just be sure to rinse before using and remove from food before serving. </li> </ul>