Growing Bamboo Seedlings in Costa Rica

In August of 2009, we started growing bamboo seedlings in Costa Rica. Since we had access to Guadua bamboo seeds in Nicaragua, it was just a small step to grow them here in Costa Rica for reforestation purposes.

Below you can see how we grew these bamboo seeds at our nursery in Sarapiqui.

Guadua Bamboo Seeds

First step was to prepare a raised seed bed with surrounding trench.

Bamboo Seed Bed

Then bamboo seeds are sown, which just lay on top of the seed bed. All seeds where previously submerged in a bucket of regular water to break dormancy.

Sowing Bamboo Seeds

To protect the seeds from being eaten by chickens, birds etc., we covered the seed bed with agro-netting. Seedlings also require participial shade for optimal growth.

Improvised Bamboo Greenhouse

Bamboo Greenhouse

Just over 2 weeks later, the first Guadua bamboo seedlings started to pop up.

Guadua Seedlings Starting to Pop Up

I took this picture exactly 2 months after planting the bamboo seeds, if you look closely, you can see the seeds still attached to the small plants.

Guadua Bamboo Seedlings

Once the Guadua seedlings reached about 5cm, they where transplanted into polybags to further establish their root system.

Potted Guadua Bamboo Seedlings

Interested to Grow Bamboo in Costa Rica?
Don’t hesitate to contact us today!