The Best Time to Plant Bamboo

Cutting Rhizomes

• Bamboo develop a number of rhizomes 10 to 20 feet from the mother plant and extend about 6 inches into to ground. If you are using rhizomes for propagation, choose ones with bright buds and vigorous roots. The best time to divide and plant rhizomes is between February and early April, as cited by the Alabama Cooperative Extension.

Dividing Plants

• The plants produce small plants coming up on the edges in early summer. Remove the young plant with its rhizome and ball of soil and use for propagation. The Alabama Cooperative Extension recommends doing this is early spring just before new growth begins.

Culture

• Plant bamboo in moist, well-drained and fertile soil. Bamboo grows optimally in loam. The plants are intolerant of heavy, poorly-drained and water-logged ground. Weed and water regularly, especially during the first growing season. Avoid the use of a hoe around younger plants as this damages the rhizomes.