Where to Buy Guadua Angustifolia Seeds?
Can you tell me where I can buy Guadua angustifolia seeds? I have searched the internet but have found nothing for this bamboo in seed form. I hope to grow more varieties of bamboo in the future and your site will be a big help, hope to hear from you soon.
Comments
Stéphane Schröder
Unfortunately most bamboo seeds and especially Guadua seeds are very difficult to obtain, because Guadua angustifolia usually flowers once every 60-120 years. For this reason, generally speaking, bamboo is not propagated trough seeds (unless you are very lucky to get some).
An additional problem with bamboo seeds is that they are not all equally vigorous and a large percentage might not germinate at all. Also, the shelf life of bamboo seeds is about 3 months after which they rapidly start to lose germination power.
By any means, Guadua angustifolia is a tropical bamboo species which does not grow in Europe. Freezing temperatures will probably kill the plant during the winter.
Carole Hawke
I took your advise and searched the net for giant clumping bamboo seeds, there are many sites available for buying seeds but I remembered that you said bamboo seeds start to lose germination ability once the seed is 3 months old.
Most sites have seeds for sale that are 3-5 months old, so by the time I get them my success rate of germination is significantly reduced or do all bamboo seeds need to be less than 3 months old, are some seeds more hardy than others?
I am still looking for my guadua seeds, alas no luck as yet.
Stéphane Schröder
Bamboo seeds should preferably be planted immediately after harvesting, although there are experimental techniques to extend the shelf life of bamboo seeds by storing them under low temperatures.
Because seed setting is such a unique event and good information is scares, I highly doubt whether most of these seed suppliers are reliable (especially the ones who have the same species on sale for years). Usually bamboo seeds on sale are quite cheap so you're not gonna lose an arm and a leg over it. For the average hobbyist it might be an exciting way to experiment, but professional growers however, require certified, high quality and vigorous bamboo planting materials.
Buying bamboo plants from a nursery requires a higher investment but the returns will also be far greater, because even when seeds germinate, a high percentage of them might die in the early stages of development.
Robert
Hello, same here. I've been looking around for Guadua seeds online with negative results. I am located in South Florida. I would like to start planting bamboo and I was told Guadua bamboo is what I should plant for the most profit. Considering that I can not find the Guadua seeds anywhere, what type of bamboo would you recommend? I have 2 to 3 acres to work with.
Stéphane Schröder
Moso might be a good alternative as it is the most popular timber bamboo used in China. Keep in mind though that the USDA prohibits the import of all live bamboo planting materials (plants and seeds).
Dax Fernandes
The seeds to be obtained is hard but what about the saplings, are they easily available? And also could you let me know a few places where I can get this bamboo variety as I require it.
Daniel R
Hello. If bamboo seeds are not a good method to start Guadua Angustifolia plants, how can you start these plants? Do you purchase roots, divide them and plant them?
Matt
Hello. I live in Costa RIca. The Guadua variety is a rhizome spreading bamboo, and NOT a clumping bamboo. It has vicious thorns. It gets 95 ft tall, and spreads out over time. My twenty year old stands are now 15 to 20 meters wide (50-60 ft.) from where originally planted. We have a rainy season from May to December, and then a very dry summer from December to March. This allows this super large grass variety to rapidly grow during Oct-Dec, as it can grow 8" PER DAY here... then it goes into another stage of growth. I would NOT plant this in FL unless I had permission from the Agricultural Department. And for very good reason. It requires maintenance, or you will regret planting it. It has a secret as well to successful propagation.
To successfully propagate, you must take the freshly cut culm, and cut sections containing 2-3 nodes... these will have growth "buds" on them. You must cut a hole in the bamboo between the nodes, on the top side of the bamboo. Then you must fill the bamboo half full with water, and plant in the ground shallow like, with the top holes exposed... This will soften the growth bud and provide the needed water for it to sprout.
Do not plant near fences. Be very careful of the thorns, and maintain the area below the bamboo by cutting these thorny branches. Create a space to walk through the area, and open up the area by selectively harvesting. It is a super material, but requires commitment long term. You will not easily get rid of it!!
Abror
I live in 4 season country in summer it gets hot up to maximum 40 celsius average 32-35 celsius and in winter down to -2 -5. Do you think I can grow guadua bamboo? If not what type of bamboo do you recommend?
I was looking to grow 10 of these is there any way I can get guadua bamboo maybe cuttings or anything.
