Photo: Summit Metro ParksCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ginkgo Tree Plant Care
Ginkgo biloba L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo, also known as the maidenhair tree, and often misspelled "gingko" is a species of gymnosperm tree native to East Asia. It is the last living species in the order Ginkgoales, which first appeared over 290 million years ago.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to part shade
0–100°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Ginkgo Tree?
Plant Ginkgo Tree in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 3a–8b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F (-18–38°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ginkgo Tree Native To?
What Is the Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo Tree (Ginkgo biloba) belongs to the Ginkgoaceae family within the Ginkgo genus. Ginkgo Tree is native to East Asia. Ginkgo Tree is also known as Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree, Fossil Tree.
Ginkgo Tree displays an upright, pyramidal tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Ginkgo Tree produces inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ginkgo Tree?
Water a young or newly planted Ginkgo Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Ginkgo Tree Need?
Ginkgo Tree thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ginkgo Tree Prefer?
Ginkgo biloba tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F. Ginkgo Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ginkgo Tree?
Well-draining, sandy loam soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Ginkgo Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ginkgo Tree?
Feed Ginkgo Tree every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Ginkgo Tree?
Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining, sandy loam soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Ginkgo Tree is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 8b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo Tree can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Ginkgo Tree?
Prune Ginkgo Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Ginkgo Tree in Winter?
Ginkgo Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo Tree can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.
Is the Ginkgo Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ginkgo Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ginkgo Tree Need?
Ginkgo Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Ginkgo Tree is native to East Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Ginkgo Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ginkgo genus — compare its care with other Ginkgo species on PlantoScan.
Ginkgo is part of the Ginkgoaceae plant family — browse all Ginkgoaceae genera and species.
Ginkgo Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ginkgo biloba L., family Ginkgoaceae (first published in Mant. Pl. 2: 313 (1771)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ginkgo Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Summit Metro Parks, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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