Help me prune my new bay

[Extensionrebellion]

I would like a lollipop shaped bay tree that is a few metres tall, but even the small shaped ones are really expensive.

I've bought this bushy one which has a very straight stem (and was way cheaper). I'm going to plant it in the ground but when do I prune off the shoots I don't want? Also how do I encourage it to sprout out at the top of the stem I want to keep?

I've planted it out and staked the tallest straight stem. Should I leave the other stalks until it has settled?

I'd just give it a good chop. Bay is pretty tough, and removing some of the growing stems actually helps the plant - the whole root system that developed to support a bigger plant can put all of its energy into what's now a smaller plant, so it's a good thing.

You can cut bay back as much as you like! It will grow back.
Keep chopping it back as it grows very quickly

Thank you. I'll chopstick off the other stems and hope the other one sprouts.