| Botanical Name | Gingko biloba |
| Common Name | Maidenhair |
| Plant Type | Deciduous tree |
| Mature Size | 50 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
| Soil pH | 5.0 to 8.0 |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | Green (insignificant flowers) |
| Hardiness Zones | 4 to 9 |
| Native Area | China |
Ginkgo biloba was one of the first trees cultivated by humans. It is considered a living fossil since the species exists today as well as in fossil record.
It is the only living species of the division Ginkgophyta, one of the oldest tree groups on Earth with fossils dating as old as 270 million years, before flowers existed.
They are known for being easy to grow, even in cities, since they are resistant to pollution, insects generally avoid them, and they can be kept artificially small.
They also have numerous benefits for humans. Their seeds are edible and the leaf extract has been used to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease as well as vision and hearing deterioration.
Ginkgo trees are very resilient and have been known to live for several thousand years. In fact, six ginkgo trees were the only plants (or animals) known to have survived the atom bomb explosion in Hiroshima, Japan. All six are still alive today.
This listing is for one vial of three ginkgo seeds
WARNING
Ginkgo seeds are toxic and should not be eaten in either raw or roasted forms. The seeds can be made relatively safe through proper preparation, but it's best to play it safe and avoid eating the seeds altogether.
GROWING INFO:
- Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours.
- Cold stratify for 60 days (optional but improves germination)
- Sow 1-2" deep, keep moist, mulch the seed bed, can be sown outdoors in the fall for spring germination.
Ginkgo trees are long living, drought and pest resistant, and incredibly strong; so strong in fact, they were the only trees to survive following the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack. These trees may grow to a height of 80 feet (24 m); however, they are slow growers and as such, will work well in many garden areas within USDA zones 4-9.
Fruiting females tend to have an incredibly nasty odor described by many as smelling of, well, vomit. Hence, it is recommended that one plants only male trees.
Ginkgo trees are multi-purpose in their uses as they make wonderful shade trees, specimen plants (including amazing bonsai) and street trees. As street trees, they are tolerant of city conditions such as air pollution and road salt. Although they may need to be staked when saplings, once they have attained some size, staking is no longer required and the trees may also be transplanted with great ease and no fuss. As the tree is amazingly easy going about almost everything, including the pH of its soil, gingko tree care does not require a lot of finesse. When planting, ginkgo tree care will include setting in deep, well-draining soil in an area of full to partial sun. Regular watering and a well balanced fertilizer regime is also recommended, at least until maturation — about the time it reaches 35 to 50 feet (11–15 m) tall! Seriously though, gingko tree care is a simple process and will result in many years of shade from this ornamental botanical “dinosaur.”
