GINKGO BILOBA Seeds Maidenhair or Bonsai seeds #5

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Seed Count: 5 seeds

Native to China, the ginkgo Biloba tree (of the Ginkgoaceae family) is distinguished by its wide, leathery, fan-shaped leaves and sturdy trunk. The name is derived from the Japanese word ginkgo, meaning "silver apricot." Ginkgos are known for their remarkable longevity; some trees growing in China are over 2500 years old. In the United States, they grow in hardiness zones 3 to 9. Unfortunately, these trees are also notorious for the horrid smell--similar to vomit or rotten eggs--produced by seeds that fall and rot. From a distance, though, ginkgo trees are beautiful. How to Grow? Remove the pulp from the seeds by washing in water. Spread out the clean seeds on paper towels to dry. Prepare a potting mixture of equal parts compost, soil, peat moss, and sand. Plant the seeds in growing trays filled with the potting mixture. Cover with 1/4 inch of the mixture, keep them evenly moist, and place in a warm and humid spot until they germinate. Transplant them to a permanent location when growth is 3 to 4 inches tall.

This ancient deciduous tree has a large crown composed of sparse branches covered with interesting lobed, fan-shaped leaves that are unlike those of any other tree. They turn captivating shades of gold in fall and drop quickly, creating a bright carpet that slowly fades to brown.

In the winter, its stark, deeply furrowed, grayish tanbark and knobby branches add additional landscape interest. It is the last surviving species in Ginkgoaceae, a plant family that has existed for 150 million years, according to the fossil record.

Genus - Ginkgo
Species - Biloba Common name - Maidenhair Tree Pre-Treatment - Not required, but recommended Hardiness zones - 4 - 8 Height - 50-100' / 15 - 30 m Spread - 30-50' / 9 - 15 m Plant type - Tree Vegetation type - Deciduous Exposure - Full Sun Growth rate - Medium Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline Soil type - Clay, loam, sand, well-drained Water requirements - Average Water, drought tolerant Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier Leaf / Flower color - Green, Yellow Green, in autumn - yellow, gold / Yellow Green Plant growth rate - Medium