Since the ginkgo is considered to be quite easy to care for, it is reasonable to assume that propagation is also easy. However, this is a fallacy. Both the cultivation from cuttings or cuttings is lengthy, as is the sowing.
How do I grow a ginkgo from seeds?
To grow a ginkgo from seeds, you should get germinable seeds, roughen them, score them and soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Then plant in a soil-sand mixture, cover thinly, keep evenly moist and warm. The germination period is at least 3 to 4 weeks, but can also take longer.
Where can I get germinable seeds?
A ginkgo is only sexually mature at around 20 to 35 years old; there are male and female trees. Only the female trees bear fruit and fertilization is necessary for seeds to germinate. So it's better not to wait for seeds from your own garden, but rather contact a seed store (€6.00 on Amazon).
What is the best way to sow seeds?
The seeds are nut-like and relatively hard. It is therefore often recommended that you roughen the seeds slightly (for example with sandpaper or a file) and carefully score them with a sharp knife. Then place the prepared seeds in a container with lukewarm water. Let the seeds soak there for 24 hours, this will speed up germination a little.
A loose mixture of soil and sand is suitable as a substrate; the seeds should only be covered very thinly with it. Ginkgo has a fairly long germination period. It takes at least three to four weeks, but sometimes the seeds only germinate after six or more weeks. In particular, darkness and temperatures that are too cool extend the germination time.
Keep the seeds constantly moist and warm during this time. Choose a sufficiently large pot for sowing so that you don't have to transplant the seedlings so soon, they have quite sensitive roots.
The most important things in brief:
- Roughening and scoring seeds
- Place in lukewarm water for 24 hours
- place individually in pots with a soil-sand mixture
- cover thinly with soil
- water lightly
- place in a warm, bright place
- keep evenly moist and warm
- Germination time: at least 3 to 4 weeks, but can also take longer
- Darkness and cold extend the germination period
Tip
Sowing ginkgo is relatively promising, but it also takes a lot of time.