I have had some success germinating Ginkgo seeds in Costa Rica. I would like to know recommendations to secure seedling establishment. Right now they are in 1.5 L plastic bags on organic soil at field capacity. Do they need a fertilization supplement? What could be the best tips to share to secure seedling growth and establishment? How long could they take to reach a size amenable for transplantation into the field?
Ginkgo seedling care includes setting in deep, well-draining soil in an area of full to partial sun. Regular watering and a well balanced fertilizer regime is also recommended, until maturation
A mature ovule resembles a small golden plum. Beneath the fleshy outer layer there is a woody shell that looks like a large pistachio. This “seed” contains an almond-like “nut” .
Gather the ovules when they fall to the ground in late October or early November. It is important to wear gloves when handling the ovules, because contact with the fleshy layer can cause dermatitis. This “pulp” is also toxic if ingested. Note that the pulp gives off an odour of rancid butter or vomit as it decays.
Soak the ovules in water to remove the fleshy layer. To allow the embryo to completely mature, you will need to warm stratify the “nuts” for 6 to 8 weeks, and then cold stratify them for the same length of time or even all winter. After this artificial stratification period, you can pot them up. The containers can be placed outdoors once temperatures are warm enough in spring. Alternatively, you can sow your ginkgo “nuts” in the fall directly in the ground or in containers buried in the soil, to stratify them naturally. Only fertilized ovules will germinate.
Artificial stratification is intended to reproduce the natural conditions the seeds need in order to germinate. An easy way to stratify ginkgo “nuts” artificially is to mix them with moist sand, vermiculite or peat moss in clear plastic bags with small holes punched in the sides. For warm stratification, keep the bag at 20 to 30°C. Check the medium periodically to make sure that it doesn’t dry out. A refrigerator (at about 5°C) is ideal for cold stratification.
For seed propagation: fill a plastic bag with damp peat moss. Bury five ginkgo seeds within the moss and seal the bag. Check for germination periodically; sprouting begins in two to three weeks. Keep in mind that it takes ginkgo grown from seed up to 30 years to mature, so you won't know the tree's gender until then. Most gardeners prefer to propagate ginkgo from softwood cuttings taken from male trees.
Please see tthis:
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/wo_AgricHandbook727/wo_AgricHandbook727_559_561.pdf
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