Growing Commercial Bamboo in South Carolina

Bamboo can grow in pots or outside in the yard.

Bamboo is an exotic, bushy plant native to Asia. This plant became popular in the United States in the '70s, when the country started importing giant pandas and their chosen food (bamboo shoots). It has since grown to be popular in yards and pots alike, and is often kept in small pots as a house plant. Bamboo grows from rhizomes, which are easy to grow, divide and harvest. The warm, humid weather of South Carolina provides an ideal environment for this moisture-loving plant.

Things You'll Need

• Bamboo rhizomes
• Quick-draining soil
• Compost
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Choose running or clumping bamboo. Running bamboo grows in vines, whereas clumping bamboo grows in vertical stalks. Both types grow bushy, vigorous foliage and require similar growing conditions. Clumping bamboo is more common in yards and does not require the support system of running bamboo. Grow clumping bamboo in South Carolina, where the humidity will encourage the plant to riotous growth. It is also more easily controlled. Purchase commercial bamboo rhizomes at a reputable nursery for successful growing.

2. Amend your planting site. Plan on planting bamboo rhizomes 4 to 10 feet apart, and decide on the size of your project accordingly. Amend each site to a depth of 2 feet with a mixture of half quick-draining soil and half compost. This is especially important in South Carolina, where the soil can be thick. Bamboo requires very good drainage around its roots.

3. Dig holes that are 1 to 2 inches deep and plant your bamboo rhizomes. Fill dirt in around the rhizomes and make sure that there are no air pockets in the hole. Pack the dirt down firmly.

4. Give each rhizome 2 to 3 inches of water. Spread mulch over the soil at each site to protect the rhizomes. Use 2 inches of organic mulch, and maintain that level.

5. Maintain consistent watering with 2 to 3 inches of water a week. Always check the soil for its moisture level before watering; in the humidity of a South Carolina summer, waterings may be smaller (1 to 2 inches) or less consistent (every 10 days). Bamboo does not like standing water or puddling. Rhizomes should sprout within weeks and flourish. Bamboo grows up to 20 feet in a single growing season and will rapidly fill in the spaces between your planting sites.

Tips & Warnings

• Dig bamboo rhizomes up and divide them to propagate new plants.

References

• Quindembo Bamboo: Maintenance Tips for Growing Happy, Healthy Bamboo
• The Gardener's Network: Growing Bamboo