Edible Bamboo Growing Guide

Quick Facts: Edible Bamboo Varieties

Asper Bamboo Black Asper Bamboo Oldhamii Bamboo
Scientific Name Bambusa asper Bambusa lako Bambusa oldhamii
Common Names Asper, Giant Bamboo Black Asper, Timor Black Bamboo Oldhamii, Sweet Shoot Bamboo
Plant Type Perennial Clumping Bamboo Perennial Clumping Bamboo Perennial Clumping Bamboo
Life Cycle Perennial Perennial Perennial
Food Forest Layer Canopy / Windbreak Layer Canopy / Windbreak Layer Canopy / Windbreak Layer
Mature Size 60-100 ft tall 50-70 ft tall 50-65 ft tall
Light Full Sun to Partial Shade Full Sun to Partial Shade Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Moderate; drought-tolerant once established Moderate; drought-tolerant once established Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Harvest Season Spring (young shoots) Spring (young shoots) Spring (young shoots)
Time to Harvest 1-2 years for shoots 2-3 years for shoots 1-2 years for shoots
Self-Fertile Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
Growth Rate Fast Fast Fast
Native Region Southeast Asia Timor, Indonesia Taiwan
Florida Native No No No
Zones USDA Zones 9-11 USDA Zones 9-11 USDA Zones 8-11
Propagation Division / Tissue Culture Division / Tissue Culture Division / Tissue Culture
Pot Size 1-Gallon Plantable Biodegradable Coconut Coir Pot 1-Gallon Plantable Biodegradable Coconut Coir Pot 1-Gallon Plantable Biodegradable Coconut Coir Pot
Seasonal Characteristics Evergreen, Cold-sensitive under 25°F Evergreen, Cold-sensitive under 25°F Evergreen, Cold-tolerant down to 20°F