How Does Bamboo Grow?

Bamboo is a perennial grass, not a tree. So it only needs to be planted once, then it multiplies through an elaborate root system called rhizomes. Each plant grows to its full height in 60 days, and each of those plants while remaining evergreen, will never grow taller. However every year, the new shoots grow taller than the previous ones until the grove reaches full maturity, typically around year seven. From that time, farmers can harvest 2/3 of the crop annually, and every year new shoots will continue to fill in what was cut down, providing consistent production.

While bamboo grows in most climates, a longer warm season provides the time needed to have a robust farm. Alabama is an excellent choice because snow is infrequent and the growing season is from April to November.

People often ask how farmers control the spread of bamboo given its aggressive nature. The answer is simple: a rhizome barrier. Manmade inserts can be placed in the ground around the perimeter or a shallow ditch of approximately 12" wide by 12" deep is sufficient to keep bamboo from crossing beyond its place.

In the meantime, learn how bamboo grows.

Here is where you'll find

pictures & videos from planting to production and all the growth in between!