Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) | seeds, 6 pcs.

Ginkgo biloba is a unique deciduous tree with a botanical history spanning more than 200 million years. The species is considered a "living fossil" and is the only living member of its plant genus. Originally native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries around temples and monasteries, it is today widespread and appreciated worldwide for its beauty, resilience, and cultural historical significance.

The leaves are characteristic, fan-shaped and often two-lobed, with a fresh light green color during the growing season. In the autumn, they turn an intense, golden yellow, which makes Ginkgo biloba one of the most eye-catching ornamental trees in gardens, parks, and urban spaces.

The tree has a slow but steady growth and often develops a beautiful, upright, and pyramid-shaped crown in its early years, which in time becomes broader and more characterful.

Cultivation and requirements

Ginkgo biloba is a very robust tree that thrives best in full sun to light partial shade and prefers:

• well-drained soil
• moderate watering during the establishment phase
• a sunny location for optimal growth and autumn color

The species is very hardy and can tolerate frost down to about -25 °C, making it suitable for cultivation throughout Denmark. It is also remarkably resistant to pollution, diseases, and pests, making it particularly suitable for both gardens and urban environments.

Once the tree is established, it is relatively undemanding and requires minimal care.

Cultivation from seeds

Seeds of Ginkgo biloba require patience and often a period of cold to germinate optimally. For best results, we recommend:

• cleaning the seeds (remove pulp, if present)
• soaking in water for 24 hours
• it can be advantageous to carefully crack or remove the hard seed coat (e.g., with a nutcracker) to promote germination
• stratification (cold treatment) in a moist medium for 4–8 weeks at refrigerator temperature. We have already stored the seeds in a refrigerator at 5 degrees. However, after removing the hard seed coat, this additional step may be beneficial.
• sowing in well-drained soil at 18–22 °C

Germination can be irregular and take from several weeks to months. The young plants grow slowly but are robust once established.

Utility and collector's value

Ginkgo biloba is primarily grown as an ornamental and collector's tree, but it also has a long history of traditional use, especially in Asia.

The species is dioecious, meaning that there are both male and female trees. Female trees produce fruits with seeds, while male trees are typically preferred in plantings, as they do not produce the characteristically pungent fruits. The seeds are, however, decorative and make growing from seeds a special experience.

For plant enthusiasts, Ginkgo biloba is a truly unique species – not just a beautiful tree, but a living piece of botanical history.

Ginkgo biloba is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wishes to grow a historic and hardy tree entirely from seed – an iconic species with unique leaves, beautiful autumn color, and a fascinating background.