Those look like they may be seeds from a branch that has already flowered. Can you get any out of this tip? I have a flowering F. nitida and have harvested the seeds and grown a few plants. However, be aware that the seeds are somewhat difficult to germinate. I had one bamboo nurseryman tell me his nitida seeds took about 9 months to germinate (he had actually forgotten about them and one day, months later, noticed them coming up in the container). I use standard seed starting medium in a domed propagation tray and have heat mats set at 80F. I have had 3 come up out of about 100 over a 6 week period. I have heard that cold stratification can help...put them in a baggie in your refrigerator (not freezer) for about 2-3 weeks, then sow.

I have started Fagesia seeds that I received from Kudzu9 2 ways and got similar results both times. I did feel though that the seedlings seemed a bit stronger when I started them using some stratification. I too had low germination results out of 40 or so seeds I had probably 10 germinate and only 5 grow into plants.
Here is a picture of two of my seedlings
[IMG]http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2/Nateabbott/bamboopictures002.jpg[/IMG]
{{gwi:405974}}

Thanks both for the info and pictures. I'll drive out to the plant and see if it's shedding seed yet in another day or two. I can't wait to grow my own from seed. In 20 years I'll have a whole bunch of nice fargesia clumps on my property . . . !

My Fargesia Nitida has gone to seed. I collected some before they fell with no success. So I put a stocking over a branch collected a bunch of seeds, also collected some off the ground. The ones off the ground started to germinate on a warm wet paper towel after about a month. I recently notice that a few seedlings are sprouting up around the mother plant. I'm also trying some soaked and being given bottom heat. To soon to tell how that's working. I may try cold stratification next.

Hi Jen,

Thanks for sharing your info on germinating F. nitida. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to drive back to where the pictured plant was to collect and try growing my own. Keep us posted to let us know what works best for you, maybe I'll get a second chance in the future!