Depending on the variety you choose, the Ginkgo isn’t exactly a speed demon when it comes to growth. It often takes decades for these beauties to reach their full potential. The good news? They are surprisingly low-maintenance and easy to get started!
Growing from Seed
One way to start your Ginkgo journey is from seed. You can also try propagating via cuttings, which is usually the better route if you’re working with an older tree and want to be sure of its gender.
Ginkgo seeds typically take about four weeks to germinate. They love temperatures around 60-70°F and need consistent moisture to wake up. If you’re starting them outdoors, April is usually the sweet spot. The spring soil is generally damp enough to keep those delicate seedlings hydrated without you having to hover over them with a watering can every hour.
The 20-Year Bloom
Even the more vigorous Ginkgo varieties aren’t going to shoot up overnight. To keep your tree healthy and looking its best, you’ll want to give it a regular trim. Pruning might slow down the height growth a bit, but it’s the secret to a vital tree and a gorgeous canopy. It’s actually pretty important to trim the leader (the main top shoot) and head back the side branches in the spring. This encourages the tree to fill out and develop a much bushier, lush crown.
To give you an idea of how much of a “slow burner” this tree is, don’t expect any flowers for at least 20 years. And that’s only if the tree is living its best life in the perfect spot with great care! If the conditions are a bit tougher, it might take an extra decade before you see those first blooms.
Reaching Maturity at 50
If you decide to grow a Ginkgo from seed, you’re going to need some patience—it takes about 50 years for them to reach their full size. But don’t worry, reaching “full size” doesn’t mean the end of the road. Quite the opposite! Ginkgos are incredibly long-lived and can easily reach 1,000 years or more. It’s truly a legacy tree for your garden.
