Ginko seeds

by Joe Orwig
(OKC)

Gingko leaves

This may be a silly question but, I"m in central Oklahoma and I am trying to grow a Ginko tree from seeds dropped from my tree.

I watched videos and followed the steps as recommended with stratification and care. There are few ginko trees within a half mile. Could it be the seeds are not fertilized like an egg laid by a hen with no male interaction?

Comments for Ginko seeds

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Jul 17, 2022

Research
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

According to what I've read (having no personal experience with Gingko biloba seeds) I've discovered that they need two maturation periods. Yes, you are correct that they need a male plant somewhere close enough for them to cross pollinate, but even if they did get fertilized, they need certain treatments.

They need to be allowed to ripen to develop the germ, the tiny plant, inside the seed. This only happens in the fall, after they form on the tree. This can take one to two months.

Then they can be placed in a bag of dampened soil (pasteurized, of course) and put into the refrigerator for the winter (two months at least), then sow in the spring. Or, just sow them directly into a flat outdoors. If necessary, make sure you protect them from vermin or birds.

So don't give up! If you still have the seeds, make sure to leave them outdoors this winter, in the soil. That should do the trick, and next spring you'll see growth.

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