Is Bamboo Fastest Growing Plant?

A garden bamboo shoot can grow up to 10cm on a spring day, and reach its full height in just 4 weeks. By summer, it will put out branches and leaves. This bamboo's growth is complete, but it will remain evergreen for 30 - 60 years.

According to the Guinness World Records, timber bamboo grows up to 91 centimetres (35 inches) per day.

Close to home, at the Kew Garden Palm House, the Giant Timber Bamboo [pictured] grows to 24m in 16 days, as measured. 

That's a whopping 1.5m per day!

This bamboo grows 1.5m/day

When does bamboo grow the fastest?

The new bamboo shoots come out in spring and grow the fastest during the first 3 - 4 weeks. 

In summer, they'll start to branch out and produce leaves.

Also, spring is the ideal time to grow new bamboo plants because they will be active during this time.

When should I grow new bamboo plants?

Understanding how fast bamboo grows and when they grow the fastest is important to growing it.

Growing new bamboo cuttings sufficiently early in Spring. The chance of growth in the roots and shoots is high.

As the roots establish themselves, (and they do that very quickly over Summer), your bamboo cuttings will be ready for planting the following Spring.

Also, spring is the best time to grow any potted bamboo. As mentioned, grow them early so that they have the chance to germinate over the spring and summer months.

Having said that, bamboo is a resilient plant. When you plant it does not really matter. It will remain in the soil until the condition are right for it to sprout.

Check your bamboo plants for growth

Late Spring and early Summers are the best times for checking your bamboo plants. This is also a good time to grow bamboo because the new shoots and rhizomes tips will have been sprouting.

During the rest of the year, the matured bamboo plants, especially the culms and rhizomes, in your garden will remain green and provide covers even through the Winter months. 

They are pretty tolerant of cold and dry soils.

Bamboos are amazing plants, they grow well all year round. 

Their evergreen foliage and tall hardy stems make them ideal plants for privacy screens and ornamental garden centrepieces.

If you are going to grow a bamboo plant, either in pots or in the garden, it is important to know that they grow very quickly. 

The new shoots and rhizomes (roots) can take over the space very quickly if left unchecked. 

We hope this article answers your questions about how to grow our favourite bamboo plant. 

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Follow us on Twitter and YouTube for the latest updates.