A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods for Planting Ginkgo Seeds
Ginkgo is the oldest relict plant among the gymnosperms left over after the Quaternary glacial movement. Seed propagation is mostly used for large-scale landscaping seedlings or for making clump-style bonsai. Usually, after harvesting the seeds in autumn, the outer seed coat is removed, and the seeds with the fruit coat still attached are sun-dried. They can be sown in winter in the same year or sown in spring the following year. Now let us take a look at how to plant ginkgo seeds!
Germination Time
The germination time depends on the sowing time, and the sowing time is based on the late frost period, because ginkgo young buds are susceptible to frost damage below 0°C. Generally, germination can be started 30-40 days before the sowing period. In the capital, sowing in early March is generally preferable.
Seedbed Preparation
Choose a plot that is sheltered from the wind and faces the sun, with level ground. Dig a trench running east-west, 30 cm deep and 120 cm wide. The length of the trench depends on the amount of seeds. Spread about 5 cm of fine sand at the bottom. Build a 10 cm soil ridge around the trench (the north side can be appropriately higher) to prevent rainwater from flowing in.
Seed Treatment
Take out the seeds stored dry in winter, first put them into a vat or other water-holding container, soak them in clean water for 36-48 hours, and separate out the shriveled seeds. Then scoop them out and wash them clean, mix them thoroughly with wet sand at a ratio of 1 part seeds to 3 parts wet sand, and then put them on the seedbed for germination. Seeds stored in cellars can be placed directly into the seedbed for germination.
Putting Seeds on the Seedbed
Evenly spread the seeds mixed with sand on the seedbed, then place 5 cm of fine sand on top of the seeds, and then put a thin layer of fine soil or straw matting on top to maintain the temperature in the seedbed. Finally, cover the seedbed with a 2 m wide plastic film and press the edges of the film firmly with soil.
Transplanting and Planting
Seedlings propagated from ginkgo seeds can grow to 15-25 cm tall in the same year. After the leaves fall in autumn, they can be transplanted. However, note that the seedbed should be chosen in a well-drained area to prevent water accumulation from rotting the part of the seedlings near the ground. They can grow well in acidic soil and calcareous soil, but neutral or slightly acidic soil is most suitable. They are not tolerant of waterlogged places and are relatively drought-tolerant, but grow poorly in overly dry places, rocky slopes, or low wet places.