My Square Watermelon - West Coast Bamboo

West Coast Bamboo

Not even the idea of square watermelon was on my mind in the early nineties, because my focus was on west coast bamboo and all its beauty. It’s pretty, exotic, hardy, and we can grow it in the outdoors.

This unusual plant commands attention because it has served us well over the ages and in many cultures. After I pleasantly found out that it can grow in the Canadian west coast, I began looking at the various species that are suited for the area. One thing I was sure of was that I wouldn’t find any of the tropical types that I know.

Part of my research led me to the American Bamboo Society. Again, I was pleasantly surprised that there was even a world class association that represented and brought together bamboo enthusiasts. After all, I was not the only 'weirdo' so passionate about a grass. I joined the group and was introduced to many local members and their activities.

One such member, Mike, led the Vancouver group at the time and was very knowledgeable about the various species that suited the west coast climate. I learned a lot from him and really appreciate his help in getting me started with my new-found hobby.

He introduced me to jet black bamboo (Phyllostachy nigra), a caned species that grows up to 15 feet and is suitable for potting. Those I grew in the back yard matured within a year and the color of the cane was totally black, a real beauty and an excellent decorative plant. Young shoots are green but gradually turn black as the plant matures. I now see them relatively often in plant stores in the city, but they usually go for a hefty price - $75-$160 for 3-4 feet high plants.

Another of my favorite variety was the Robert Young (Phyllostachys viridis). It’s a yellow cane with green stripes running the entire length of the cane. It’s one of the larger species to grow in the Pacific Northwest, reaching up to 45 feet in height and can grow to 3.5 inches in diameter.

A Step-by-Step Guide by someone who grew his own square watermelon