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anderson4paint

growing bamboo from seed

anderson4paint
17 years ago

Hi, I would like to grow bamboo from seed. preferrably one that can be used as a privacy screen. Does anyone know of a good type and a source for bamboo seeds.

Comments (9)

  • Embothrium
    17 years ago

    You are limited to which ones are available at any one time, bamboos flower only at long intervals. Try ABS Species Source List, for starters (that phrase should bring it up).

  • User
    17 years ago

    You could buy seed from any bamboo seller, call and ask if they have seed.
    Ebay sells seed, but look at their feedback and try to buy from a seller that is a commercial nursery.
    If you don't mind digging up some bamboo in the fall and bringing it indoors or in a garage for the winter and replanting it in the spring, you could go with a tropical I guess, but for privacy, you will have to buy a running species.
    Google cold hardy bamboo and see if you like any of the species you research.
    Then you don't know if that variety is flowering or not.
    Good chance it isn't. They don't flower very often.
    If you need a privacy fence quickly, you don't want to grow bamboo from seed, it will take a few years usually til you have a "privacy fence".
    Good Luck with your purchase.

  • jeffreydv
    17 years ago

    The most commonly available from seed is Moso. It will be a few years before you can plant the seedlings outdoors and than several more until it reaches a good size. You are much better off buying plants or even root/rhizome cuttings.

  • kudzu9
    17 years ago

    And be aware that most of the seed for sale on eBay is from foreign sellers, and it's illegal to bring in bamboo seed from outside the country without a special permit and a year-long quarantine. If you do succeed in growing from seed, it'll be at least 5 years before you have something of substantial enough size for a screen. I suggest you do as the vast majority of us: buy or dig up decent size divisions.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Quarantine

  • lkz5ia
    17 years ago

    Plant bamboo from divisions if its for utility, such as a screen.

  • anderson4paint
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    Thanks for the input. Does anyone have a suggestion as to the best place to purchase divisions?

  • Embothrium
    17 years ago

    ABS Species Source List has tables of bamboos with basic attributes, as well as sources. Also has a link to a site with a bamboo selector feature.

  • User
    17 years ago

    Anderson4paint,
    You could call your local nurseries in February or March and ask them to order bamboo for you.
    They would know what to recommend if they are in your area.
    They can order bamboo for you and then you can pick it up yourself, especially if you would like a nice size bamboo to start out with.
    Google plant nurseries with your zip code and then start calling.
    Good Luck.

  • kudzu9
    17 years ago

    I posted earlier, but it disappeared. Oh well, try again.

    1) There should be some nurseries in your area that sell bamboo. The ABS (American Bamboo Society) has a list of member nurseries, and they list one that might be near you:

    Hamptons Grass & Bamboo
    Southampton, NY 11969
    Aidan Furlong 631-725-8499.

    Do visit several nurseries, if you can, because bamboo can be pricey and prices can vary widely for the same plant species, same size. Also, there are many reliable online bamboo nurseries and you may get a better deal from them, even adding in shipping.

    2) You'll hear about runners and clumpers, and that runners are invasive. However, for your Zone, you'll find runners are hardier, and you can control them by rhizome pruning once or twice a year with a sharp spade. They'll also do a better job of filling in faster and cheaper than clumpers.

    3) I've gotten a lot of bamboo for free from people who let it get out of hand and just wanted it removed. Sometimes if you place an ad in the local paper, you'll find soneone who will donate to you for your labor.