To propagate a bay laurel, obtain a six inch stem cutting from a semi-ripe stem. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert into moist soil. Throughout the rooting process, maintain moist soil and keep the cutting in the shade. When the roots have developed, new leaves will appear above the soil. Once it is about 12 inches tall, plant your bay laurel outdoors. Bay laurels don’t propagate easily, so propagate multiple stems at once.