Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo biloba), also known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a unique and ancient tree species that has been around for over 200 million years. Famous for its fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, the Ginkgo tree is both ornamental and functional, prized for its resilience and therapeutic properties. The tree’s vibrant yellow-orange autumn foliage adds beauty to any landscape, and its seeds, known as "fruit," have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. With 10 premium seeds, this packet allows you to grow your own Ginkgo Biloba tree, offering you the opportunity to enjoy its beauty, medicinal benefits, and ecological contributions.

Key Features:

• Distinctive Fan-Shaped Leaves: The Ginkgo Biloba tree is well-known for its unique, fan-shaped leaves, which turn a brilliant golden-yellow color in the fall, creating a stunning visual display.
• Vibrant Fall Color: The leaves transition from green to a striking yellow-orange hue, making Ginkgo a favorite for autumn gardens and landscapes.
• Medicinal Uses: Ginkgo Biloba has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for its cognitive and circulatory health benefits. The seeds are often processed into supplements and extracts.
• Resilient Tree: Ginkgo is known for its remarkable resilience to environmental stress, pollution, and urban conditions, making it an ideal tree for city landscapes or parks.
• Longevity: Ginkgo trees are long-lived, sometimes living for over 1,000 years, making them a great investment for long-term beauty and shade.

Growing Information:

• Light: Ginkgo Biloba thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow strong and healthy.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-7.5). It can tolerate poor soil conditions and once established, is drought-tolerant.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors in a container 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Alternatively, sow them directly outdoors after the last frost.
  • Soak seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours before planting to help soften the hard seed coat and improve germination rates.
  • Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil. Ginkgo seeds require a cold stratification period for successful germination, so placing them in a refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting can improve results.
  • Ginkgo seeds generally take 1-2 months to germinate. Patience is key, as the germination process can be slow.
  • Once seedlings are large enough, thin them to allow 12-15 feet of space for mature tree growth.
• Watering: Ginkgo trees are drought-tolerant once established but benefit from regular watering during the growing season. Water young trees consistently to promote healthy growth, but ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging.

Benefits:

• Ornamental Beauty: The Ginkgo tree provides year-round interest with its unique leaves, which turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, creating a spectacular autumn display.
• Medicinal Properties: The seeds of the Ginkgo tree are known for their health benefits, particularly in improving cognitive function, circulation, and memory. They are commonly used in supplements and traditional remedies.
• Resilient Urban Tree: Ginkgo trees are highly resistant to pollution, pests, and disease, making them an ideal choice for urban environments or areas with challenging growing conditions.
• Ecological Contributions: Ginkgo trees can enhance biodiversity in gardens and urban landscapes, providing shelter and food for wildlife.
• Long Lifespan: Ginkgo trees are one of the oldest living tree species and are known to live for centuries, making them a lasting addition to your landscape or garden.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 3-8. Ginkgo Biloba is adaptable to a wide range of climates and can thrive in both colder and milder environments, though it may require some protection in areas with harsh winters.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Ornamental Tree: Plant Ginkgo Biloba in your garden or landscape as a stunning ornamental tree. Its bright yellow fall foliage makes it a striking focal point, especially when paired with other deciduous trees that offer contrasting colors.
• Shade Tree: As a mature tree, Ginkgo provides excellent shade, making it ideal for planting near patios, walkways, or other areas where shade is desired.
• Urban Landscaping: Due to its tolerance of pollution and urban conditions, Ginkgo is perfect for planting in city parks, streetscapes, or any urban garden needing a resilient, long-lived tree.
• Medicinal Herb Garden: For those interested in the tree's therapeutic properties, grow Ginkgo as part of an herb or medicinal garden, where its seeds can be harvested for medicinal use (note: the seeds should be processed properly before consumption due to their toxic outer coating).
• Biodiversity Gardens: As a unique and hardy species, Ginkgo Biloba can support local wildlife by providing shelter and food for certain species of birds and insects.

Conclusion: Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo biloba), with its ancient lineage, stunning fall color, and resilience, is a remarkable tree that can add beauty and ecological value to any garden or landscape. The 10 seeds in this packet offer you the chance to cultivate your own Ginkgo tree, enjoy its striking yellow fall foliage, and benefit from its potential medicinal uses. Whether you're looking for an ornamental tree, a unique addition to a herbal garden, or a long-living shade provider, Ginkgo Biloba is an excellent choice. Planting this tree is an investment in beauty, health, and longevity—bringing a lasting, timeless element to your garden for years to come.