Bamboo newbie

[Loqueris]

Hey there.
I'm a complete newbie to all things Bamboo but have wanted to attempt seed germination for some time.
I've managed to but some Moso seeds,Giant thorny Bamboo seeds and Phyllostachys Pubescens seeds, but I really haven't a clue as to the best way to germinate them.
I've checked out the internet but there are so many different opinions that I'm none the wiser and have decided to take advice from just one area - here.

I live in the Scottish Highlands, smack bang next to the sea. It's not as cold here as the world tends to assume and we do actually have alot of mild winter weather and warm summers.
I have a green house facing south but it's not heated although it is double glazed.

Could anyone suggest a good growing medium please? Temperature requirements? etc etc

Hopefully I'll have some luck with these and will be able to keep a photo diary of the success.
My real passion would be for some Black Bamboo seeds but I'm having problems sourcing them at the moment.

Many many thanks.

[CaroleMeckes]

Hello and Wel'culm' to the Bamboo Forums
Many people here have agreed that they like to use the "paper towel method.

If you do a search here for "paper towel" several threads will come up that mention this method.

I'd be more precise on pointing out the exact thread, but feel that you would benefit more by reading the posts yourself regarding this method.

Carole

[R e x]

Hi Loqueris, and welcome! Thank you for choosing us for your source of advice.

I think you only have two types of seeds, not three, because "Moso" is a common name for Phyllostachys pubescens/edulis/heterocycla. Phyllostachys edulis can be germinated easily using the paper towel method. I'll just give you a brief outline here, but you can find lots more information about this method here in this forum.

1. Run a paper towel under warm tap water until the entire sheet is soaked. Squeeze water out of the paper towel to the point where only a small amount of water will drip out of it when you squeeze it (moist, but not soaked! kind of like a moist towelette).

2. Fold the paper towel once horizontally and once vertically into a rectangle.

3. Unfold the most recent fold and place seeds onto the paper towel about an inch away from each other. Refold paper towel to cover the seeds completely.

4. Put paper towel with seeds into a zip lock bag.

You can find out more about germinating these seeds by looking at my P.edulis from seed journal here:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3280

If you look at page 4 of that thread, you'll see a picture of the paper towel method.

If you have any other questions, just ask.
Good luck!

[Loqueris]

Thanks for the replies, I'll sit and do some research on this forum before I try and do anything with them.
I didn't realise that Moso is also a common name for Phyllostachys Pubescens though. Seems i should have done my research before buying and will make sure I do in the future.
Shame I wasn't aware of this forum before I bought them. Oh well, you live and learn.

I am assuming that I will need to make sure everything is super duper sterile for these seeds. I'm quite particular about sterility anyways but I have read alot of comments on other web sites that it's particularly important with Bamboo.