Himalayacalamus falconeri (candy cane) from seeds

[lundungurl]

Hi, I have ordered some Himalayacalamus falconeri (candy cane) bamboo and also Chimonobambusa yunnanensis (black bamboo) which I would like to grow from seed. I have been studying this forum and there seems to be several ways to germinate bamboo seeds. I was wondering if anyone has specific knowledge of these seeds and what method works best. I think as an experiment I will start half the seeds using sand and the other half jiffy forest pellets. There is another method that the seller suggests and that is to use cat litter. Has anyone tried this method? This will be my first time starting bamboo from seed. I currently have 2 other varieties growing at my house which I bought as live plants, but one can never have too much "boo".
Thanks in advance and I look forward to sharing my success (hopefully) with everyone on this forum.

[ShmuBamboo]

I cannot say that I have had any success with germinating and growing bamboo from seeds. I have grown many other types of plants from seed though. I use the UC Davis mix of 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 sand (or perlite, which is puffed sand) for most of my seed beds. Jiffy pots are just compressed peat. They work OK, but peat moss is a lot cheaper.

Candy Stripe seeds need a 6-9 month dormancy period before they are germinated, according to one of my bamboo books. I have never heard of that type of black bamboo before, so I cannot say anything about it. I grow two types in that genus; marbled and square. My brother grows the walking stick type as well.

[Chironex]

I have used the cat litter method and it works well. It is sterile so less likely to cause damping off. But not all cat litter is created equal! Go to your nearest NAPA Auto Parts and ask for a bag of part #8822 Super Absorbent. This is 100% diatomaceous earth and it is like $8-10 for a 25 pound bag.
I put about and inch of it in a plastic dish (the clear domed ones that you get broasted chicken in from the grocery store is great!) Then I add water to get it moist. Place my seeds on top of the soil and cover lightly with sand or vermiculite. You want as much light on them as you can, so just barely cover the seeds. Put the clear dome back on and place in a warm and bright place - not directly in the sun. We want light, not an oven. I place mine on a plain old heating mat set to low heat on a timer, 14 hours on, 10 hours off. My last batch popped-up in just over a week. Once they get leaves opening, gradually increase their exposure to the sun. Keep them moist with the sprayer/mister.
Voila! Works every time.