Fertilizing
Start feeding when the buds open in spring and continue every two weeks until late summer, using liquid fertilizer or slow-release organic pellets. A slightly nitrogen-rich feed in spring supports the new shoots.
From late summer switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer, and stop completely once the leaves turn yellow. Avoid strong doses, as the fleshy roots are easily damaged by over-feeding.
Placement
Keep your ginkgo outdoors all year in full sun or light partial shade; in very hot climates, give afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Full sun brings out the best autumn colour.
Ginkgo is very frost-hardy and needs winter cold, so never move it indoors for the winter. Only protect the roots of the potted tree when temperatures fall below about -10°C (14°F), for example in an unheated garage or cold frame. Shelter the soft new leaves from late frost in spring.
Pruning
Ginkgo grows slowly and large cuts heal poorly and stay visible, so keep pruning to a minimum and avoid removing thick branches.
- Shorten long new shoots to 2–3 leaves once they have firmed up in late spring or early summer.
- Always cut just above a bud, because stubs die back.
- Remove unwanted shoots from the base of the trunk as they appear.
Wiring is possible, but the branches are brittle and slow to set, so many growers rely on pruning and the tree's natural form.
Repotting
Repot young ginkgos every 2 years in early spring, just before the buds open; older trees every 3–5 years. The roots are fleshy and prone to rot, so prune them moderately and keep the soil only slightly moist afterwards.
Use a free-draining mix, such as akadama with pumice or lava rock. A fairly deep pot suits the upright shape and keeps root moisture more even.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the topsoil has dried slightly; ginkgo dislikes both drought and permanently wet soil. In summer this may mean watering every day.
Reduce watering in autumn as the leaves fall, and keep the soil barely moist in winter. The fleshy roots rot quickly in waterlogged soil, so make sure the pot drains freely.
Seasonal care
- Spring: Repot before the buds open if needed and shelter the new leaves from late frost. Start feeding as soon as the buds open.
- Summer: Shorten firm new shoots to 2–3 leaves and water daily in hot weather. In very hot climates, give afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
- Autumn: Switch to a low-nitrogen feed and stop once the leaves turn golden yellow. Reduce watering as the leaves drop.
- Winter: Leave the tree outdoors for its dormancy and protect the roots below about -10°C (14°F). Do not feed, and keep the soil barely moist.
Common problems
Ginkgo is rarely troubled by pests or diseases; most problems come from water, heat or pruning.
- Leaf scorch: Brown, crisp leaf edges appear in strong sun, drying winds or after the soil dried out. Give afternoon shade in hot weather and water consistently.
- Root rot: Yellowing leaves in summer and weak budding point to fleshy roots rotting in wet soil. Repot into a free-draining mix and let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings.
- Dieback after pruning: Stubs and large cuts die back into the branch. Cut just above a bud and avoid removing thick branches.
- Weak growth and poor autumn colour: Usually too little sun or too little feeding. Give full sun and feed regularly from spring to late summer, keeping in mind that ginkgo is naturally slow.