Growing a Gingko Tree from Seed and Beyond

Have you ever been driving through a neighborhood and noticed a stunningly brilliant yellow tree with distinctive fan-shaped leaves? Or maybe you have heard of taking gingko biloba supplements for helping various ailments. Well that is what happened to me and so I started looking into what kind of a tree it was and if I could plant it on our property. But that was years ago and I never acted on getting seedlings or seeds until the fall of 2023.

I was taking a walk in a neighboring town and noticed a small fruit on the ground along the curb of a street. Since the size and shape reminded me of a small apricot I was curious what it might be but before I could touch it, the rank smell reminded me of my previous research on the Gingko tree and that the seeds should not be touched with bare hands. I picked it up with a napkin and looked around for the mother tree. Sure enough, about 20 feet away was a female Gingko tree covered in the orange fruit and plenty of droppings for me to grab. 

How You Can Grow a Gingko Tree from seed.

-Harvest ripe dropped seeds in the early fall.

-Place them in a clean bucket and covered them with water for around three weeks. Keep them away from your house as the smell is horrendous

-Drain the seeds and put on rubber gloves. Separate the fleshy covering from the seed underneath and then rinse with fresh water.

-Place the seeds in a damp paper towel or cloth and then in a plastic bag or container. Keep them in a dark cool (40-55 degrees F) place for the next 6 months. Check every few weeks to make sure the towel or cloth is still damp, but not wet.

-Remove the sprouted seeds in the spring and plant in a gallon pot filled with regular potting soil, being careful not to damage the small root. Set them in a sheltered place outside and water as needed to keep the soil damp.

-Once the seedling is about 8-12 inches tall in the summer, you can transplant the young tree to a permanent spot where it can grow at least 20 feet from any other trees or shrubs. 

1. Choose the Right Planting Location:

• Sunlight: Ginkgo trees thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can also tolerate partial shade, but full sun is best for optimal growth and fall color. 

• Soil:

• Ginkgos prefer well-drained soil and are not particular about soil type. They can tolerate a variety of soils including loamy, sandy, and even clay.

• Ensure the soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can be harmful to ginkgos.

• They can grow in a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. 

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• Spacing:

• Ginkgo trees can grow quite large, so ensure adequate space for their mature size. A mature ginkgo can reach 50-80 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide.

• Space ginkgos 30-40 feet apart if planting multiple trees. 

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• Consider the mature size and potential impact on surrounding areas:

• The height and width of the tree at maturity and its possible effects on nearby structures or other plants should be taken into account. 

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2. Planting Time:

• Spring or Fall: The best time to plant ginkgos is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. 

• Avoid Planting in Extreme Weather: Avoid planting during the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen in winter. 

3. Planting Procedure:

• Dig the Hole:

• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the ginkgo sapling.

• The depth of the hole should be the same as the root ball, no deeper. 

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• Prepare the Soil:

• Loosen the soil at the sides of the hole to encourage root growth.

• Consider amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to enrich the soil and improve drainage. 

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• Planting:

• Carefully remove the tree from its container. Gently loosen any circling roots.

• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

• Backfill with soil and tamp lightly to eliminate air pockets. 

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• Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. 

4. Initial Care After Planting:

• Watering: Water the young tree regularly, especially during dry periods. 

• Staking: If the tree is young and unstable, stake it to provide support while it establishes its roots.

If you don't have access to a neighborhood tree for the seeds, I do have several seedlings for sale on my page on Etsy here: Gingko biloba seedlings.