DINOSAUR FOOD, Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo biloba
SKU: 65-003
Description
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, also known as the ginkgo tree or the maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct. It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated and was introduced early to human history.
Some living trees are believed to be over 1,500 years old. The first record of Europeans encountering it is in 1690 in Japanese temple gardens, the ginkgo is also widely planted in Korea and parts of Japan; in both areas, some naturalization has occurred, with ginkgos seeding into natural forests.
Ginkgos adapt well to the urban environment, tolerating pollution and confined soil spaces. They rarely suffer disease problems, even in urban conditions, and are attacked by few insects. For this reason, and for their general beauty, ginkgos are excellent urban and trees, and are widely planted along many streets.
Ginkgos are also popular subjects for growing as penjing and bonsai; they can be kept artificially small and tended over centuries. Furthermore, the trees are easy to propagate from seed.
Type: Hardy tree
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Note: This plant species may cause dermatitis in some individuals. The use of gloves when handling may be beneficial.
Seeds per pack: 3 seeds
Germination: Sow the ginkgo seeds in late winter approximately six weeks before the last frost. Plant them in a pot that has holes in the bottom so water can drain. Obtain a mineral-rich potting mix of 50% sand and 50% loam. Place the seed just under the surface of the soil. Then place the potted ginkgo seeds outdoors against a south-facing wall with full to partial sun exposure. The fluctuating temperatures will initiate the seeds growth. Cover each pot with a piece of wire mesh to protect the seeds from rodents. Be sure to maintain constant moisture in the sand mixture while the ginkgo seeds germinate. Watch for the first signs of sprouting in three weeks, although seeds can take up to three months to germinate.
Description
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, also known as the ginkgo tree or the maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct. It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated and was introduced early to human history.
Some living trees are believed to be over 1,500 years old. The first record of Europeans encountering it is in 1690 in Japanese temple gardens, the ginkgo is also widely planted in Korea and parts of Japan; in both areas, some naturalization has occurred, with ginkgos seeding into natural forests.
Ginkgos adapt well to the urban environment, tolerating pollution and confined soil spaces. They rarely suffer disease problems, even in urban conditions, and are attacked by few insects. For this reason, and for their general beauty, ginkgos are excellent urban and trees, and are widely planted along many streets.
Ginkgos are also popular subjects for growing as penjing and bonsai; they can be kept artificially small and tended over centuries. Furthermore, the trees are easy to propagate from seed.
Type: Hardy tree
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Note: This plant species may cause dermatitis in some individuals. The use of gloves when handling may be beneficial.
Seeds per pack: 3 seeds
Germination: Sow the ginkgo seeds in late winter approximately six weeks before the last frost. Plant them in a pot that has holes in the bottom so water can drain. Obtain a mineral-rich potting mix of 50% sand and 50% loam. Place the seed just under the surface of the soil. Then place the potted ginkgo seeds outdoors against a south-facing wall with full to partial sun exposure. The fluctuating temperatures will initiate the seeds growth. Cover each pot with a piece of wire mesh to protect the seeds from rodents. Be sure to maintain constant moisture in the sand mixture while the ginkgo seeds germinate. Watch for the first signs of sprouting in three weeks, although seeds can take up to three months to germinate.
