How to Grow Ginkgo Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ginkgo tree is a popular plant that is known for its distinctively shaped leaves and its ability to prosper in a wide range of climates. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. The ginkgo tree is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.

How to Grow Ginkgo Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Maidenhair tree
  • Princess tree
  • Scholar tree
  • Kew tree
  • Ginkgo biloba

Good to Know

  • The ginkgo tree is a deciduous tree that is native to China.
  • The tree can grow to a height of 30-40 m (98-131 ft).
  • The leaves of the ginkgo tree are simple, ovate-shaped and have a characteristic fan-like shape.
  • The tree is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate trees.
  • The fruit of the ginkgo tree is a fleshy, yellow-orange drupe that contains a single, soft seed.
  • The ginkgo tree is a popular ornamental tree and is often planted in parks and gardens.
  • The tree is also grown for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the tree are used to make extracts that are believed to improve circulation and cognitive function.
  • The ginkgo tree is also known as the maidenhair tree, due to the resemblance of its leaves to the maidenhair fern.
  • The tree has been used in Chinese medicine for over 5000 years.
  • The ginkgo tree is a living fossil, meaning that it is a species that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

Related plant:
Ginkgo Biloba Tree

Growing Steps

  1. For ginkgo tree, first step is to take the seed and crack open the hard shell.
  2. Once the shell is opened, remove the soft inner seed.
  3. Soak the inner seed in water for 24 hours.
  4. Plant the soaked seed in well-drained soil.
  5. Water the seed daily.
  6. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
  7. The seed will germinate in 4-6 weeks.
  8. Once the seed germinates, transplant to a larger pot.
  9. water the tree regularly.
  10. Fertilize the tree every month.

The Soil

About soil condition, ginkgo trees prefer deep, rich, moist soils but they are also quite tolerant of a range of soils including poor ones. They are not especially bothered by salt or alkalinity. They will not grow well in waterlogged soils.

About light

Like the other trees, ginkgo trees need sunlight in order to grow. They can tolerate partial sun, but they will grow best in an area that receives full sun. If you are planting a ginkgo tree, make sure to choose a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of a ginkgo tree is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to keep the tree watered during periods of drought.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-55% A ginkgo tree is a beautiful and hardy plant that can thrive in a number of different climates. However, they prefer humidity levels to be around 50-55%. If the humidity is too low, the tree may suffer from stress and have difficulty growing. If the humidity is too high, the tree may be more susceptible to diseases.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food we think about is for above ground growth; however, ginkgo trees need a healthy dose of it for their roots. It’s important to select a fertilizer that has a high phosphorus content because this element helps the tree to produce strong, healthy roots. It’s also important to apply the fertilizer evenly around the tree’s dripline, which is the area where the outermost branches extend.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a ginkgo tree. Pruning helps to maintain the tree's shape and encourages new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. Also, make sure to prune away any branches that are growing inwards towards the trunk of the tree.

The Propagation

Propagation of ginkgo trees is typically done through grafting or rooting of cuttings. Grafting is typically done with a wedge graft, in which a wedge is cut into the rootstock and a similar wedge cut into the scion. The two are then fitted together and held in place with grafting tape or clips. Rooting of cuttings is done by taking a stem cutting from the desired tree and placing it in a rooting hormone. The cutting is then planted in a pot or in the ground in a shady spot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies show an average growth rate of 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) per year. However, a study in Ohio showed a growth rate of up to 12 feet (3.7 m) per year for young trees. Ginkgo trees are slow to start growing in the spring, with new leaves first appearing in mid-April, but once they start growing, they can grow quite rapidly.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. Dead branches: It is not uncommon for ginkgo trees to have dead branches. These branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent them from rotting and spreading the infection to the rest of the tree. 2. Fungal diseases: Ginkgo trees are susceptible to several fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off prematurely. 3. Bacterial diseases: Ginkgo trees are also susceptible to bacterial diseases, such as canker. These diseases can kill the tree if left untreated. 4. Pests: Ginkgo trees are also susceptible to pests, such as aphids, scale insects, and mites. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off prematurely.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your ginkgo tree regularly, especially when the weather is dry.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Fertilize your ginkgo tree twice a year, in spring and fall.
  • Prune your ginkgo tree regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Watch out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they appear.
  • Place your ginkgo tree in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Keep the soil around your ginkgo tree loose and well-drained.
  • Give your ginkgo tree room to grow by planting it in a large pot or in the ground.
  • Be patient – it can take several years for a ginkgo tree to reach its full size.
  • Enjoy the unique beauty

Substitution

  • gingko
  • ginkgo tree
  • ginkgophyte
  • ginkgospermum
  • ginkgotoxin
  • ginkgolide
  • ginkgol
  • ginkgoaleurone
  • ginkgoate
  • ginkgoblebene

Source:
GINKGO - GINKGO BILOBA | The UFOR Nursery & Lab
Ginkgo | Arnold Arboretum
Ginkgo | University of Redlands

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category