10 Giant Calcutta Bamboo Seeds

A non-invasive tropical and subtropical clumping species native to Southeast Asia and India. A giant bamboo reaches a maximum height of 60 feet. The maximum diameter of the culms is around 5-6" inches. Culms are hollow when growing under humid conditions, but nearly solid under dry conditions. This species has attractive pale blue-green culms when young, and dull green or yellow culms on maturity, which can slightly zig-zag from the middle towards the top. Its nodes are somewhat swollen and basal nodes are often rooting. It will have leaves all year and they are up to 25 cm long and 3 cm wide with a pointy tip. There is soft hair underneath them. The inflorescence is nothing particular, it consists of a large panicle of greenish-white flowers.

Dendrocalamus Strictus is extensively used as raw material in paper mills and also for a variety of purposes such as light construction, furniture, musical instruments, bamboo board, mats, sticks, agricultural implements, rafts, baskets, woven wares, and household utensils. This is the only bamboo timber that once cured, can be nailed without cracking. Young shoots are edible and used as food. Leaves are used as forage, and decoction of leaves and nodes and the silicious matter are used in traditional medicine.

Cultivated for fast-growing erosion control, privacy screens, and windbreaks. Some report it can be trimmed to the desired height and container grown for those in colder regions.

It is not particular when it comes to soil type. A neutral soil mixed with sand is better. Most importantly, the soil must be well-drained and rich, because it doesn’t grow in waterlogged soil. Bamboos can also tolerate full sun or partial shade. They have average water needs.

Hardiness zones 9-10, (-5ºC/25ºF, 1ºC/35ºF) in winter. Under -3ºC, the plant dies.

It belongs to the family of the Poaceae (Grass Family).