Enlarged stems are harvested, the upper leaves cut off and only the stem with husk-like wrapper leaves sent to market. The edible portion is the succulent stem after the husks are removed. Green stem-a small plant with fine leaves, early maturing. White stem-large plant, mid to late season. Pink or red stem-large plant, mid to late season.
Water bamboo is propagated by tillers.
The most vigorous plants with short stout stems, large abundant leaves and no signs of floral initiation are selected for propagation. Tillers are planted in a nursery and allowed to grow for a year before transplanting to the field. Also, clumps of 4 to 5 tillers may be transplanted directly into the field. Tops are trimmed to about 40 cm height before planting. Preparation of the field is sin-similar to that for paddy rice.