Description The Tropical calcutta bamboo develops 25-30 cm long, deep green coloured, alternately growing leaves. The bamboo is evergreen attaining a height of 20-25 metres within its natural habitat, with stalks measuring 30 cm in diameter. In Europe, the plant grows to a maximum height of 5-6 metres reaching diameters in excess of 10 cm. Raised in a tub it tolerates temperatures down to -5°C for a short period of time. Several pieces of furniture and musical instruments are made from this bamboo and its leaves are used in Indian medicine as well. Sowing Advice The seeds can be started indoors at any time throughout the year. Press the cereal-like seeds onto moist cultivation soil, cover them thinly with the substratum and move the container in a warm spot. Given temperatures around 25°C and even moisture, the seeds germinate after 10 to 20 days. Seeds sometimes germinate within 4 to 6 weeks although some varieties may take very much longer so please be patient. Plant out in the open ground in warmer countries or in a large container elsewhere.
