Planting Instructions
DIVISIONS:
Depending on the variety and size Bamboo purchased, your plants may be sold in plastic pots or field divisions.
SITE SELECTION:
There are two distinct types of bamboo, Leptomorph or running bamboos and Pachymorph or clumping bamboos. A small area or site near a property line is not generally an ideal location to plant running bamboos. Running bamboos may be placed in small yards in a protective rhizome barrier has first been placed in the ground or if the plant is placed in a pot that is not in contact with the ground. Rhizome barriers are available from Bamboo Farms Nursery. While slower to expand, clumpers should also be placed several feet away from a property line. The owner should periodically remove new shoots growing in the direction of the property line. Also, property owners should consider whether there would be a vertical impact on roof overhangs, power lines, and/or satellite dishes.
Bamboo prefers heavy soils that are acidic vice alkaline. PH testing is generally available through your local County Extension Service Agent at a nominal cost. Also, Bamboo likes to get wet but generally does not like to remain wet. A bog is not an ideal location to plant Bamboo. Locations subject to constant winds are not generally ideal locations for planting Bamboo.
PLANTING:
Upon arriving at the location where the Bamboo will be planted ensure the plant’s roots are well watered. Roots should not be exposed to the dry air for any extended period of time. Plants purchased as field divisions should be planted immediately. The Bamboo plant should be held, where possible, by the root ball and not the plant “culm” or stalk. Bamboos should be planted at ground level with composted manure placed around the plant. Ensure that you do not step on the root ball when you plant your new Bamboo. If planting during the spring or summer, the plant should generally be fertilized with a high-nitrogen fertilizer with lesser amounts of potassium and phosphorus (i.e. 28-5-5). Ensure that you do not use weed and feed near your new plant as it will either damage or kill your new Bamboo plant. A heavy layer or organic mulch should be placed around each plant. Watering will be necessary if it does not rain. If the leaves begin to curl the plant is probably experiencing a shortage of water.
PLANT GROWTH:
Running Bamboos will generally send up their new shoots during the spring of each year. Following shooting, the plants will then send out roots called rhizomes. Rhizomes may extend a few inches or up to 30 feet from the mother plant in just one year! Clumping Bamboos are generally tropical or semitropical in origin and will send up their new shoots during the summer or early fall. New clumper shoots will generally appear just inches away from the mother plant. All Bamboos generally drop their old leaves and grow new leaves during the spring or early summer. Rhizomes will not generally travel more than 12-inches in depth.