Ginkgo biloba MAIDENHAIR (5 seeds)

Ginkgo biloba, also known as Maidenhair is a beautiful and majestic prehistoric tree belonging to the Ginkgoaceae family. Native to the mountains of China, it has a lifespan that can reach up to 2,500 years. It has a relatively slow growth rate and measures 15 to 30 meters in height at maturity.

Ginkgo seeds are yellow, oval-shaped, robust, relatively large, and generally measure 25 millimeters in length with an average weight of one gram.

Its leaves are unique with their fan shape; their texture is smooth, and they are a brilliant green color.

Fruits are fleshy yellow berries measuring about 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These fruits emit a foul odor and contain an edible nut surrounded by a sticky membrane.

The female flowers are small and delicate, green in color, and fan-shaped. These flowers give off a sweet and subtle fragrance, reminiscent of lily of the valley.

How to successfully sow Ginkgo seeds?

• The ideal period to sow Maidenhair begins in February and lasts until early March.
• It is important and even imperative that the seeds are stratified, either naturally by burying them in moist sand and leaving them outside during the winter, or artificially by leaving them in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
• Pinch the shell between your thumb and index finger to open it slightly and accelerate germination, taking care not to crush them.
• Bury them 1 cm deep in a substrate based on horticultural potting soil and previously moistened sand.
• Pack the soil down gently by hand.
• Water the culture delicately by spraying.
• Place the culture in a location where the temperature is between 20 and 25 °C.
• Germination will generally begin within 3 to 5 weeks.

What type of soil is best for my Ginkgo?

Ginkgo biloba grows in aerated soil rich in organic matter.
It will grow best in soil with a basic pH. For pot cultivation, do not forget to drain the bottom well with small pebbles.

Does it need a lot of watering? How often?

For pot cultivation, it needs watering every 3 days in the height of summer. In winter, it is necessary to water once every 15 days.

What is the ideal temperature for growth? Is it hardy?

This ancient tree grows very well when the temperature ranges from 10 to 25 °C; below this, the plant grows more slowly.
Outdoors, it will withstand heavy frosts very well during harsh winters.

Why germinate Ginkgo biloba seeds in your garden?

Sow the legendary Maidenhair

Growing Ginkgo biloba from untreated, viable seeds supplied by Ethnoplants is a fascinating horticultural experience.
As the sole surviving member of the Ginkgoaceae family, this tree is a true "living fossil" that has endured for over 250 million years without major change.
By sowing these seeds at home, you contribute to the preservation of one of the great monuments of global ethnobotany and Earth's history.

A symbol of longevity and botanical history

Revered in the East, where it is traditionally planted near temples, the Ginkgo is renowned for its legendary resilience and exceptional longevity.
In autumn, this majestic tree displays spectacular golden-yellow, fan-shaped foliage.
Growing your own Maidenhair trees from these rare and curious seeds allows you to witness every stage of development of this legendary species, famed for its resistance to harsh weather and pollution.

This article was written by Julien on 09/23/2026.