Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba
Ancient deciduous conifer with fan-shaped leaves; architectural form; slow to ramify.
DeciduousBroadleaf
Now: Mid Spring
- watering
- Maintain steady watering during leaf expansion.
- fertilization
- Continue balanced feeding every 2–3 weeks.
- pruning
- Shoot pinching to guide structure and internode length.
- bud shoot management
- Manage new shoots to promote ramification.
- development
- Excellent period for growth shaping and refinement.
Care Guide
Placement
Full sun
Ensure excellent airflow; dislikes damp, stagnant locations.
Watering
Moderate
Let top layer dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Balanced
Light feeding; too much nitrogen leads to coarse growth.
Pruning
Structural in early spring, maintenance mid-season
Pinch new growth rather than hard cutting.
Wiring
Spring or Autumn
Brittle wood - train young branches only.
Repotting
Every 3-5 years
Repot in early spring before bud swell.
Propagation
Cuttings or seed
Cuttings root slowly; grafting sometimes used.
Winter: Fully hardy but protect roots in shallow containers.
Summer: Avoid leaf burn by watering early and providing humidity.
Zone 8b: Protect roots from late freezes
Seasonal Calendar
Late Dormancy02-15 — 03-10
- watering
- Minimal watering; soil should remain just barely moist.
- pests disease
- Monitor for overwintering pests like scale or spider mites.
- winter protection
- Protect from hard freezes. Rootball should not freeze solid.
- wound management
- Seal any pruning wounds made in autumn if not already treated.
Early Spring03-11 — 04-15
- watering
- Increase watering as buds swell; maintain even moisture.
- fertilization
- Begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer as growth initiates.
- repotting
- Ideal time to repot before full leaf-out. Ginkgos tolerate root pruning.
- pruning
- Structural pruning can be performed before bud break.
- bud shoot management
- Monitor for bud swelling to guide pruning decisions.
- pests disease
- Watch for early aphid or fungal issues in wet spring weather.
Mid Spring04-16 — 05-10Now
- watering
- Maintain steady watering during leaf expansion.
- fertilization
- Continue balanced feeding every 2–3 weeks.
- pruning
- Shoot pinching to guide structure and internode length.
- bud shoot management
- Manage new shoots to promote ramification.
- development
- Excellent period for growth shaping and refinement.
Late Spring05-11 — 05-31
- watering
- Daily checks; keep evenly moist as leaf mass increases.
- fertilization
- Continue regular feeding unless excessively vigorous.
- pruning
- Light pruning for shape refinement.
- development
- Monitor growth; ideal time to assess primary branch positioning.
Early Summer06-01 — 06-30
- watering
- High water demand; water deeply and frequently.
- fertilization
- Switch to lower nitrogen or organic fertilizer.
- pruning
- Leaf thinning or partial defoliation only if overly dense.
- summer protection
- Protect from afternoon sun if leaves show signs of stress.
- wound management
- Seal cuts as needed to avoid sunburn on exposed wood.
- development
- Refinement stage; maintain silhouette.
Mid Summer07-01 — 08-10
- watering
- High frequency watering, especially during heatwaves.
- fertilization
- Light feeding only; avoid stimulating excessive growth.
- pests disease
- Watch for spider mites in dry conditions.
- summer protection
- Provide shade during extreme heat or intense sun.
- development
- Minimal training; focus on health and hydration.
Late Summer08-11 — 08-31
- watering
- Continue consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging.
- fertilization
- Resume mild feeding if growth slows.
- pruning
- Light cleanup pruning if needed.
- pests disease
- Monitor for late-season mildew or rust.
- development
- Hold off aggressive shaping; begin observing lignification.
Early Fall09-01 — 09-30
- watering
- Gradually reduce watering frequency.
- fertilization
- Cease fertilizing by mid-month to prepare for dormancy.
- pruning
- Remove unwanted suckers or late growth.
- winter protection
- Plan for frost protection setup in coming weeks.
- development
- Allow new wood to harden off naturally.
Mid Fall10-01 — 10-31
- watering
- Monitor rainfall; reduce irrigation accordingly.
- pruning
- Clean up dead branches, but avoid major cuts.
- pests disease
- Check for fungal issues with falling leaf litter.
- winter protection
- Mulch roots lightly in preparation for winter.
Late Fall11-01 — 11-15
- watering
- Minimal; only water if unseasonably dry.
- winter protection
- Move to protected area if containerized.
- development
- Rest period begins.
Early Winter11-16 — 12-31
- watering
- Only if soil is dry; reduce drastically.
- pests disease
- Dormant oil spray possible if pests noted in fall.
- winter protection
- Avoid freezing wind; protect container-grown roots.
Mid Winter01-01 — 01-31
- watering
- Very limited; water sparingly if thaw allows.
- winter protection
- Maintain insulation; no direct freeze contact on roots.
- development
- Tree is dormant. No activity.
Late Winter02-01 — 02-14
- watering
- Begin gentle rehydration if dry, in anticipation of spring.
- repotting
- Prepare tools and materials for spring repotting.
- bud shoot management
- Watch for swelling buds as cue for upcoming work.
