This is the guide to share our experience on how to germinate Ginkgo biloba seeds. Ginkgo seeds are like plums, but the juicy part of the fruit has such unpleasant smell that the specimens found in cities are almost all males so they don’t produce any seeds. The seed itself is the nut inside the juicy fruit.
In previous years we tested the efficiency of stratification in Ginkgo seeds. We put a group in the fridge and sown other one right after seed collection (in Autumn). We found out that the same rate of germination happen in both groups, so the refrigerator cold was “so good” breaking the dormancy as the natural winter cold. Ginkgo seeds are very reliable and since you follow some simple steps we explain next you can expect that almost all seeds will germinate.
Here is how to do it:
In this article
1. Fill the pots and place the seeds
We usually use small pots to sow Ginkgo seeds. We use trays for smaller seeds, but for ginkgo and other big seeds we sow individually or some seeds for pot. We fill 3/4 of the pot with a generic potting soil. Something that retains humidity but drains well and dispose the seeds in it as shown in the pictures below
2. Cover the seeds
Slightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, just to protect them and keep the humidity around the seeds.
3. Water the pots
After you are done with the sowing you should water the pots. We usually put them in a protected place, mainly because of mice and birds that will be delighted with your seeds. The rain, wind, frost and other elements will be beneficial for the natural dormancy breaking. As long as you keep the soil moist, and this is the main advice we can give: keep the soil moist, but never, ever soaked or the seeds will rot.
4. Enjoy your new trees
Germination can take a couple of months, depending on the season you sow, be patient. First, the seed will open and a root will grow into the soil. Only after that you will see the aerial part of the plant growing.
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Feel free to use the comments section below with your questions so we can improve this article.
What is the germination rate of these seeds, how long is the dormancy, what is the ratio of male to female from a group taken from a city environment? Can they be grown in a greenhouse? What is the water solubility of the soil you are using/can sand or other drainage substrate be used?
Hi, thank you very much for your interest and questions.
From our experience the germination rate of Ginkgo seeds is about 80%. We don’t have a point of comparison with seeds from other contexts like city environments.
They can be perfectly germinated in a greenhouse, but they need to grow outside as they are deciduous trees and need cold winters.
We use a very light soil and sand or other drainage components should be added to the substrate as excess water will rot the seeds. A rule of thumb is that the soil is only kept moist, not dry and not soaked.
In terms of germination dificulty we can say that ginkgo seeds are in the group of “seeds for begginers” 😉
I want to purchase Ginkgo biloba seeds
Hi, thank you for your comment. You can find Ginkgo biloba seeds here: https://www.dearplants.com/shop/seeds/ginkgo-biloba-maidenhair-tree-6-seeds/
Regards,
Dear Plants
Hello,
I found some seeds that i had forgoten about. They are 3 to 4 years old…
Will they still work???
They where keeped at room temperature and in a dry place.
Thanks!
Hello,
Thank you for your message. Maybe 3 or 4 years old is to much keeped at room temperature. At this time they might have consumed all their energy reserves. But as I allways say, “If I don’t sow, they will not germinate for sure”. So, give them a try. Maybe you get a surprise. If you’re lucky, just send us a message. We would like to hear from you again.
Regards