Bamboo for Impatient Growers

In short: Bamboo is the world's fastest-growing grass – some species gain tens of centimetres a day and the tallest reach 40 metres. Sow in spring after soaking the seeds 1–2 days in warm water (about 30 °C), keep the substrate moist, grow seedlings in a pot the first year and plant frost-hardy types out the following spring.

Bamboo (lat. Bambusa) belongs to the grass family (lat. Poaceae) and its bamboo subfamily (lat. Bambusoideae). Bamboos are evergreen, perennial, woody grasses. The tallest species can reach heights of up to 40 metres. Bamboo grows mainly in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, but also in the tropical belt of America and in the tropical mountains of Africa. In these areas, it often forms continuous and impenetrable thickets on riverbanks and swamps. Bamboo is attributed with many records. It is the fastest-growing plant in the world, as some species can grow several tens of centimetres per day. The range of bamboo occurrence is very wide, growing from 45 degrees north and south latitude, and in South America it grows up to an altitude of 4,700 metres above sea level.

Some bamboo species can survive even extreme natural conditions. They grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate climate zones. Thanks to this, some frost-resistant varieties can be grown with us too. Bamboo arrived in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century, probably via Portugal. Currently, most bamboo grows in India, China, Thailand and Burma. The name bamboo was first used in botanical nomenclature by Carl von Linné in 1753. Bamboo has been growing on Earth for more than twenty million years and is the only group of grasses that becomes woody. The stems become woody either completely or only in the lower part. Bamboo is a staple food for many animals, for example, the giant panda in its homeland consumes up to 38 kg of bamboo leaves and twigs per day.

Bamboo Species

There are almost 1,500 botanical representatives of the bamboo subfamily. According to their growth habit, they are divided into two basic type groups. The first group consists of bamboos growing in clumps and the second are running bamboos. Clumping species of bamboo are covered with leaves from the ground and are smaller in size, making them particularly suitable for smaller gardens. Running bamboos can spread very quickly into their surroundings (they must be contained!!!) and thus create bamboo groves or thickets. In our region, the most commonly grown are giant bamboo (lat. Dendrocalamus giganteus), bamboo called the "King of Bamboos" (lat. Phyllostachys pubescens), as well as Indian bamboo (lat. Bambusa balcooa) and Nutu's bamboo (lat. Bambusa nutans). Weeping bamboo and Split bamboo.

• Giant bamboo (lat. Dendrocalamus giganteus) reaches heights of up to 35 meters and 30 centimeters in diameter, confirming the accuracy of its name. Young shoots of this bamboo are sharply conical with triangular, bluish-green leaves. At the top of the plant, thin, branched twigs grow from the stem, spreading to the sides. The leaves are petiolate, up to 60 cm long and about 10 cm wide. Flowers grow in panicles in groups of long spikes, from which yellow anthers or purple stigmas protrude. The fruits look like grain seeds up to 8 mm long. Giant bamboo is the plant that forms the largest grass stems in the world. These stems are very stable, with a hard and smooth surface. After flowering, they slowly rot. Giant bamboo grows best in a sunny location, prefers rather dry conditions, is very heat-loving, and requires high air humidity, which is why it is mainly grown in greenhouses in our conditions. Like all bamboos, giant bamboo also flowers only at intervals of several decades. This species of bamboo is used for building bridges, houses and scaffolding.

• King of bamboos (lat. Phyllostachys pubescens) is most widespread in China. Its most famous groves are in Anji and are called the "Sea of Bamboo", you may have seen them in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In Japan, this species is the largest bamboo and also one of the most important species there. King of bamboos has massive, green stems with distinctive white rings at the nodes. Its leaves are relatively narrow. For good growth, it requires humus-rich and well-fertilized soils and plenty of warmth. It is not frost-resistant, so in our conditions it cannot be grown outdoors in winter. In China, this species accounts for up to 2/3 of the total bamboo growth. King of bamboos is a running type of bamboo.

• Indian bamboo (lat. Bambusa balcooa) is a strong variety of bamboo originating directly from India. These plants form a larger clump of green bamboos. Indian bamboo is not very demanding to grow. It thrives in both sandy and clay soils. The seeds of this bamboo, unlike many others, germinate very quickly and readily.

• Bambusa nutans is an ornamental, densely growing bamboo. Its homeland is Southeast Asia. It creates green stems approximately 6 meters long. The leaves grow to a length of approximately 30 cm. Bambusa nutans is intended for home cultivation. When grown in a pot, it does not grow to great heights and forms a beautiful dense plant that fits into any interior.

Uses of bamboo

Bamboos have wide-ranging uses. Thanks to the hardness of their culms, sometimes even compared to steel, bamboos are used as building and construction material, they are raw material for manufacturing everyday items (tools, furniture), bamboo shoots are delicious food (not just for pandas). Bamboo is used to make paper and pulp. Bamboo culms can stabilize soil against erosion. Bamboo is even used to make medicines. The ornamental function of bamboo plants is also significant, as they serve as a traditional element of oriental gardens.

Growing Bamboo

You can grow bamboos from seeds. The ideal time for sowing seeds is spring, as the days slowly begin to lengthen and temperatures rise. Before sowing, it's advisable to soak the seeds for 1-2 days in warm water and only then proceed to the actual sowing. Seeds are sown similarly to grain. In our conditions, it's suitable to sow in a planter or pot with slightly acidic or neutral soil. Soils that retain water well are particularly suitable, but they shouldn't be clay. Put good drainage at the bottom of the planter. After sowing, keep the substrate constantly moist; sufficient warmth will also contribute to successful growth. The first year, it's advisable to grow seedlings in a pot so they strengthen and are ready for outdoor planting (frost-resistant species). The second year in spring, plant the bamboos out. The plants will have enough time to root, strengthen further, and prepare for winter.

Plant bamboos in pre-dug holes, add fertiliser and cover with soil. Water the bamboos thoroughly after planting and continue with regular watering. Especially young seedlings are susceptible to drying out, on the other hand, don't turn them into marsh plants, permanent waterlogging can damage them. Bamboos thrive in a sunny location or partial shade. Smaller species tolerate partial shade to full shade. A windy site is not very suitable, because the soil dries out faster in wind and larger plants experience mechanical stress, wind can also cause stem breakage. Especially in spring, bamboos need sufficient nutrient supply as they grow relatively quickly during this time. It's advisable to fertilise, for example with Celerit, before the plant starts to sprout (in March). During the season, you can fertilise with Kristalon, for example. In autumn, use fertiliser with higher potassium content, which helps tissues mature well and thus increases frost resistance of plants, such as Kristalon Autumn. The winter period is the ultimate test for bamboos in our climatic conditions. Paradoxically, drought harms bamboos more than frost itself, therefore water bamboos sufficiently even in winter, if possible. Mulching is recommended before winter. Good overwintering requires protecting especially the root system. Even if the entire above-ground part freezes, a new plant will sprout from well-protected roots in spring. If possible, cover the bamboo with spruce branches or tarpaulin; with sufficient snow, you can also cover smaller bamboo varieties with snow. The stems will straighten in spring and damage is usually minimal.

Sowing Tip

To maintain a constant temperature of around 30°C whilst soaking seeds for the entire duration (1-2 days), try using a baby bottle warmer, which makes this easy. Remember to change the water for fresh at least twice a day.

Interesting Fact About Bamboo Flowering

Bamboo flowering is very peculiar because bamboos flower in large cycles. During this time, they flower worldwide regardless of climate and growing conditions. These cycles can be more than a hundred years long, so it's possible you may see bamboo flowers very soon or you may not live to see them at all. It's like a lottery ticket...