Growing Ginkgo from Seed: The 20-Year Gender Lottery

Ginkgo seeds from female trees produce 50/50 male/female seedlings. You won't know which you have for 15-25 years—when females begin dropping foul-smelling fruit.

Nursery Solution

Commercial ginkgos are male clones (cuttings), guaranteeing no fruit. Your seedlings are a genetic gamble.

If You Plant Anyway

• Sow 2" deep, 6" apart in a row
• Cover with chicken wire (squirrel protection)
• Plant far from structures—females are liabilities near homes

Call me from the nursing home when yours fruit!