SOIL PREPARATION:
Bamboo tolerates most soil types, but prefers a loamy, slightly acid soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If you have heavy clay or poor draining soil, mix peat or compost into the top foot of your planting area. You need to amend the entire planting area, not just the hole you are planting in.
PLANTING:
Remove the plant from the pot, being careful not to break loose any new culms that are shooting. If you are planting from a burlap-wrapped ball, you may cut the ties from the top, but do not remove the burlap - it will decompose. Set the plant into the hole at the same height as it was planted in the pot or bag. Back fill into the hole until the bamboo is half planted - then fill with water. After it drains away, fill the rest of the hole with dirt. Create a mounded ring of soil around the top to hold water and fill with water again.
STAKING TALL PLANTS:
You may need to stake tall or top-heavy plants for the first year. This will keep it from rocking in the wind and pulling up the root system. Place three small stakes around the root ball and secure with a non-abrasive tie about halfway up the cane.
WATERING:
Keep your newly planted bamboo moist - not soggy. Make sure that the water is draining properly. Too much water will cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. Keeping your plant moist the first year is essential for maximum growth. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation works well; however, bamboo loves to be sprayed with water whenever possible or during the hot dry summer months. Remember that bamboo is an evergreen. If you have planted in a container that is under cover, you need to continue to water throughout the winter months.
FERTILIZING:
A root stimulator is recommended weekly for the first few weeks after planting. A lawn fertilizer plus Iron should be added once a month during the summer months. Fertilize in Spring and early Fall with Lawn Food or any high nitrogen fertilizer. Iron is important to keep the leaves green.
MULCHING:
Each fall you should mulch around your plant with 6-8 inches of bark chips, leaves or pine needles. This is very important the first year of planting.
Bamboo tolerates most soil types, but prefers a loamy, slightly acid soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If you have heavy clay or poor draining soil, mix peat or compost into the top foot of your planting area. You need to amend the entire planting area, not just the hole you are planting in.
PLANTING:
Remove the plant from the pot, being careful not to break loose any new culms that are shooting. If you are planting from a burlap-wrapped ball, you may cut the ties from the top, but do not remove the burlap - it will decompose. Set the plant into the hole at the same height as it was planted in the pot or bag. Back fill into the hole until the bamboo is half planted - then fill with water. After it drains away, fill the rest of the hole with dirt. Create a mounded ring of soil around the top to hold water and fill with water again.
STAKING TALL PLANTS:
You may need to stake tall or top-heavy plants for the first year. This will keep it from rocking in the wind and pulling up the root system. Place three small stakes around the root ball and secure with a non-abrasive tie about halfway up the cane.
WATERING:
Keep your newly planted bamboo moist - not soggy. Make sure that the water is draining properly. Too much water will cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. Keeping your plant moist the first year is essential for maximum growth. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation works well; however, bamboo loves to be sprayed with water whenever possible or during the hot dry summer months. Remember that bamboo is an evergreen. If you have planted in a container that is under cover, you need to continue to water throughout the winter months.
FERTILIZING:
A root stimulator is recommended weekly for the first few weeks after planting. A lawn fertilizer plus Iron should be added once a month during the summer months. Fertilize in Spring and early Fall with Lawn Food or any high nitrogen fertilizer. Iron is important to keep the leaves green.
MULCHING:
Each fall you should mulch around your plant with 6-8 inches of bark chips, leaves or pine needles. This is very important the first year of planting.
