What spacing and planting material should I use for a commercial bamboo plantation?

Spacing depends on the species and your purpose. For large clump forming bamboos like balcooa or asper, common spacing is around 5 by 5 metres or 5 by 4 metres, giving roughly 160 to 200 clumps per acre. For thinner species or pole production you can go closer. For planting material, tissue culture plants give uniform, disease free establishment and are popular for commercial planting, while offsets and rhizome cuttings are cheaper but more variable. Use a reliable nursery, since poor planting material is a common reason for failure. Give water in the first two years for good clump establishment. Confirm species and spacing with your State Bamboo Mission or a forestry nursery for your region.