PROPAGATION OF GINKGOS

By John Paulson

Facts about Ginkgos

          The Ginkgo is a gymnosperm (naked seed). The ginkgo is deciduous, each spring pollen and ovules are formed on separate trees. The ginkgo have living seed-producing plants that have motile sperm. The yellow pollen cones on the male tree are found hanging from branches. Each contains two pollen sacs, which contain the sperm. The female trees contain an ovule, which forms a gummy droplet that catches the pollen from the male tree, where it forms large egg cells, then forms a fruit. The fruits fall off in the fall.

Propagation by Cuttings

          Propagation by cuttings is the best way to be sure of the sex of the tree. Take a cutting about 15 centimeters long during May - July (young or half-ripe wood). Stick in soil medium and keep moist and they should root.

Propagation by Grafting

          Grafting is also used on ginkgos. Branches of male trees are grafted onto female trees in order to fertilize them. Propagation of ginkgo by cutting and grafting is not the preferred method used by propagators because ginkgos normally have a dominant central leader. (Topophysis).

Propagation by Seed

          Gather seeds in the fall (use latex gloves to collect and remove fleshy coatings, contains toxins). Remove fleshy coating from around the seeds. Wash seeds thoroughly and let dry. Store in refrigerator until planting. To grow seeds scarification is required. Mechanically scarification can be done by sandpaper, knife or file. Next soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water. After the 24 hours, soak in 10 percent bleach saturation for about 10 minutes to protect against fungus then rinse well. Put seeds in moist soil and seeds germinate in 30-60 days.

            With these procedures you can grow your own ginkgo trees and have one of the oldest trees recorded.