Ginkgo Biloba Tree

Ginkgo Biloba Tree is a symbol of ancient elegance! Ginkgo biloba has a rich history, originating in China and spreading across the world, where it's treasured for its unique fan-shaped leaves and traditional medicinal uses. These trees are often called 'living fossils' because they have remained relatively unchanged for over 200 million years. Ginkgo Biloba Trees are medium to large-sized deciduous trees that can reach heights of 50-80 feet or more. They produce distinct fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall, creating a stunning visual display. Ginkgo Biloba Trees offer a range of creative landscaping possibilities and its striking foliage will infuse your outdoor space with a touch of tradition and natural wonder.

Also Known As: Ginkgo, Gingko, Ginko, Maidenhair Tree, Yin Xing (银杏), Ichō (いちょう / 銀杏), Ginkgo Nut, Maidenhair Fern Tree, Fossil Tree, Eun-haeng, Ginkyo, Icho, Ityo, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew tree, Salisburia, Silver Apricot.

Plant Name:	Tree, Ginkgo Biloba
Latin Name:	Ginkgo biloba
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	20 Years
Plant Height:	50 - 80 Feet
Spread:	30 - 40 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 80 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Soak seeds 24 hours in hot tap water and let stand before cold-stratifying. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 1 month, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. Soak seeds 24 hours in hot tap water prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 50-80 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	50-80 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	80 feet

Care During the Season:

Ginkgo trees can be a resilient, low-maintenance, and long-lived tree with stunning foliage that returns year after year with care. In spring, as new leaves emerge, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer to support early growth, especially for young trees. Ginkgo trees prefer well-draining soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature while also suppressing weeds. During summer, established Ginkgo trees are highly drought-tolerant, but young trees may need additional watering during extended dry periods. In autumn, as the tree’s distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn golden yellow before dropping, reduce watering as the tree enters dormancy. Minimal pruning is needed, but any dead, damaged, or crossing branches can be removed in late fall or early winter while the tree is dormant. Heavy pruning should be avoided, as Ginkgo trees naturally develop a strong, upright structure. In winter, mature trees require little care, but young trees may benefit from mulch insulation around the base in colder climates.

Harvesting:

Ginkgo leaves can be harvested at any stage of growth, particularly when green for tea or when golden yellow in late fall for tincture. Harvest for nuts by carefully picking fruit with gloves or a harvesting pole, then squeeze the ripe fruit with gloves to release the nut.