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Bamboo

Key Requirements

Land Low to Medium
Labor High
Capital Medium

Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.

Markets

  • Ornamental Nursery

Pests & Disease

Only a few diseases or insect pests have been reported on US-grown bamboo. These include spider mites, scale insects, and rust disease. It is important to keep groves weed free from planting to establishment.  

High but limited Cost per ?

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

High but limited Returns per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Challenges

  • Is widely recognized as a problematic plant. Growers should be willing to install barriers for unwanted spread.  
  • Is an invasive plant and might find it challenging to find a market in Kentucky willing to purchase.  
  • Highly labor-intensive plant. If you don’t have enough labor, this might not be the best plant.  

Opportunities

  • Focus on container plants grown in a greenhouse. 
  • Fresh bamboo shoots are a tastier alternative to the canned bamboo consumers find at the supermarket.  
  • Bamboo canes are hard and durable, but lightweight, making them suitable for a number of on-farm uses.