How fast does bamboo grow from seed?

[fieldfest]

I know bamboo is supposed to grow superfast, so why is it so flipping expensive?

If i were to grow bamboo (I like the black ones) how fast would i expect growth from seed?

[Gareth Davies]

It does grow fast from an established culm but they are the part that takes the time to establish. Phyllostachys nigra is one I tried from seed (Chilterns said it was rarely offered) and it grew a few stems in the first year. I didn't get a very good germination rate off the seed however and only ended up with the one plant. I have a few plants of Phyllostachys pubescens and they have put on good growth but it will be a long time before they look anything dramatic.

I think in answer to your question about why they are so expensive, in part it's due to the fact that people will pay a lot of money for architectural plants.

Happy growing