Ginkgo Biloba
How do I get my Ginkgo biloba seeds to germinate?
I live in Tropical America. My botany teacher got some seeds from Spain and gave a few to hubby and I. We were wondering if there is a scarification process recommended for this kind of seeds. I would really appreciate any help. Thanks a lot!
Have they been refrigerated? They sprout best after the seeds belive winter is over.
Also, before I go further, do you just have the seeds, or is the soft outer coating on the seeds? If the outer coating (the actual fruit part) is still on the seeds, handle them with a great deal of care. The outer coating has the same chemicals as poison oak, and poison ivy. You do not want blister!
Wrap the seeds in damp peat moss and keep them moist. You can put them in a plast bag. I usually just sprout them in the peat moss in a plastic, or glass container. I keep the seeds sandwiched between layers of peat moss. The peat moss prevents fungus or mold from forming on the seeds.
It takes about 4 weeks for the seeds to sprout. Some take longer. Remember these are seeds of tree, so they are not as fast to germinate as flower or vegtable seeds.
Are you aware that the female ginkgo trees produce fruit that stinks, and contains the chemicals that may make you blister?
Also ginkgo trees drop their leaves very suddenly in the Autumn. One day they have them, the next they are all on the ground. So don’t plant them too close to walkways, or where you will be cleaning them from your roof’s gutters.
~Garnet
Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years
(love Ginkgo trees!)
Health & Nutrition : Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects