Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, is a gymnosperm tree native to eastern China and considered a living fossil, with lineage extending over 270 million years. Seeds have underdeveloped embryos at dispersal and require stratification to mature and break dormancy, typically involving warm stratification followed by cold stratification. With proper pre-treatment and controlled conditions, germination rates of 80% or higher can be achieved.
Before sowing
Remove fleshy outer pulp by soaking in water and scrubbing. Wear gloves as the pulp can cause dermatitis. Prior to main stratification, perform warm stratification for 6-8 weeks at 20-30°C to allow embryo to fully mature, followed by cold stratification.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Critical pre-treatment: Remove fleshy pulp immediately by soaking and rubbing (wear gloves to avoid dermatitis). Seeds must never dry out—maintain moist storage conditions at 2-4°C if not immediately sowing. Two-stage stratification is most effective: warm stratification (20-30°C for 6-8 weeks) followed by cold stratification (5°C for 30-90 days). For faster results, sow stratified seeds in spring at 20-25°C with alternating day/night temperatures. Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent fungal diseases and seed rot. Germination may be irregular; patience is required as seeds can germinate over an extended period.
Sources: USDA Forest Service Ginkgo propagation guide, Royal Botanic Garden Kew, Espace pour la vie, specialized seed propagation resources
