Growing Bamboo

Bamboo is known for its beauty and versatility. The sound of the shoots moving in the wind creates a relaxing environment and its rapid growth makes it a wonderful choice for creating a privacy screen. To get the most out of your new bamboo, follow the tips below.

(Click to open a printable PDF version of the information below.)

Site Selection

Choose an area with at least 5 to 6 hours of full sun.
Plant bamboo in a well-drained area, not an area that stays wet regularly.
Select the best type of bamboo for your space. Some varieties grow extremely tall and create a wide clump and some stay a little smaller. Kerby’s can help you figure out which variety will be best for you.

Planting

Dig a hole twice the width and a little less deep than the root ball.
Plant bamboo with the top ¼ of the root ball out of the ground.
Backfill the planting hole with Black Gold^® soil mixed 50/50 with native soil. Mound the soil up around the root ball so that none of the side roots are exposed.
For an extra boost, add the appropriate amount of Espoma Organic^®Bio-tone^® Starter Plus.
Mulch the entire mound with a 2-to-3-inch layer of mulch to help retain water.

Watering

Bamboo is a fast grower, but only if it gets the proper food and water.

Always water in the morning.
Water daily for the first month after planting to get bamboo roots to start growing.
In the second month, water every other day; and in the third month, water twice per week.
Remember that bamboo is a grass. Just like your lawn, when it is hot and dry it will need more water. Once you are out of the establishment period, water twice weekly during warm months and once per week during cool months.
When bamboo leaves wilt, curl up, or drop, it is a sign that the plant needs more water.

Fertilizer

Fertilize monthly with The Kerby’s Special for the first year. Thereafter, fertilize three times per year (one time each in spring, summer, and fall).
Supplement with Blood Meal in spring and summer for extra nitrogen.

Interesting Bamboo Facts

Bamboo grows fast, but it only grows shoots for about two months out of the year. After new shoot growth, it will begin to grow branches and leaves.
Young shoots are edible.
Bamboo only flowers every 60 to 80 years.

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