Around 60 million years ago in the Paleocene, Europe was covered by a tropical rainforest. Bamboo has been found in European fossils since that time. In 1880 the Latour-Marliac introduced a bamboo from China to France and around 1900 to Germany.

Bamboo plants belong to the grass family (Paceae) and are the fastest growing plants. Over 47 species and 1200 varieties are known worldwide. Due to the climate, only 20 are suitable for Germany.

Which bamboo is the right one?

When it comes to bamboo plants, not only hobby gardeners but also professionals are often overwhelmed by the variety of the range, the growth forms, the space requirements and the different information on winter hardiness. Bamboos are basically divided into 2 groups:

  • clumpy growth that does not form rhizomes
  • Rhizome-formers that spread endlessly underground

If you want to find the right bamboo, you have to decide whether it should be clumping bamboo species or not. We want to thin out the bamboo jungle a bit. Learn more about the most popular bamboo species and varieties.

Bamboo location - the most important questions?

Bamboo is not just bamboo! If you want to replant or repot a bamboo, the question arises as to the optimal bamboo location. Different types of bamboo prefer different species-appropriate locations under which they grow optimally. It is therefore also important to know how much space is available in total and for the individual plant. In order to avoid trouble with neighbors, it is advisable to inquire about the permissible plant height and the minimum distance to adjacent properties from the responsible municipality or authority.

Planting bamboo, what should be considered?

In the Asian bamboo garden, less is often more. Instead of colorful flowers, bamboo plants bring delicate green to the Far Eastern oasis. We will tell you the best tips for planting correctly, the best first aid and professional bamboo care.

Can you grow bamboo from seed?

There are different ways to successfully grow bamboo plants or to propagate them yourself. The individual bamboo varieties differ in various properties such as growth height and winter hardiness. The bamboo seeds offered in the garden trade should be selected according to the regional climate, location and intended use.

The giant bamboo Moso Phyllostachys edulis - Phyllostachys pubescens could be particularly suitable for the home garden. No matter which strain you choose, it is important to purchase fresh seeds. Because the germination capacity of bamboo seeds decays quickly. The main harvest time for moso seeds is between October and November. If the seed is bought in September, it is already 11 months old and the germination capacity is lower.

To prefer: Soak bamboo seeds in warm water for 1 day. To grow special bamboo soil, nutrient-poor lawn substrate or coconut humus mixed with perlite, fill the seed tray to a height of approx. 5 cm. Spread some finely sieved moist substrate on top. Sow bamboo seeds on top and moisten with a fine mist. A temperature of 30 degrees is ideal.

As a giant grass, the bamboo is a light germinator and does not need to be covered with soil! Keep evenly moist under a transparent hood in a bright, warm place out of direct sunlight. After about three weeks, the first seedlings will sprout.

Transplant bamboo - when is the best time?

Depending on the variety, bamboo prefers a suitable location and soil conditions with a pH value of 6.0 to a maximum of 6.5. Early spring or late summer are recommended for the bamboo in pots or in the garden. As with all evergreen shallow roots, they need enough time after transplanting to grow in before the first minus temperatures.

When is the best bamboo planting time?

From April to June, most bamboo plants form new culms. During this growing season one should not disturb the roots. Otherwise, outside of winter temperatures below zero, the best time to plant is all year round… Advantage in early spring: the bamboo still has the entire vegetation period to take root.

Who will solve the puzzle of the bamboo blossom?

When buying bamboo seeds, one should consider that some types of bamboo only flower every 80 to 120 years. Others bloom more often, but after the bamboo blooms, they only produce a few germinable seeds. The bred offspring often differ in growth and color from the mother plant.

Bamboo substrate - does that make sense?

In general, a substrate loosens the soil, ensures good air permeability and optimal nutrient supply. Special bamboo substrate has a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. In addition, the lava or clay slate it contains stores water and prevents waterlogging.

Bamboo - good or bad neighbors?

Bamboo plants love shady trees. But it has to be the right ones. Good neighbors are trees with deep roots - for example oaks, flowering cherries, fruit trees, magnolias or laburnum. Birch, chestnut, linden, maple and willow compete for water and nutrients and are among the bad neighbors.

tips and tricks

Bamboo knowledge: A panda eats bamboo shoots and roots for up to twelve hours a day. That makes 15 to 30 kilograms per day and panda snout - lucky that bamboo grows back so quickly!

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Herbs