According to some studies, Ginkgo can significantly improve attention - well this beautiful plant certainly grabbed our attention!
Ginkgo biloba was once thought to be extinct; it has survived for millions of years and is one of the best known examples of a living fossil. They are very long-lived, with some specimens claimed to be 2,500 years old. The leaves are unique, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade, they are usually 5 to 10 cm (2-4in), in autumn they turn a golden yellow and are considerate enough to drop all at once.
The Ginkgo has the distinction of being one of the world's most urban-tolerant trees often growing where other trees cannot survive. It is a superb shade tree, a terrific street tree, and is a popular subject for growing as penjing and bonsai. It is virtually disease and pest free, tolerates urban pollution, heat, cold, drought, and thrives in nearly any climate. It is hardy to -29°C.

Ginkgo is a lovely tree - beautifully structured with a picturesque shape and unusual leaf shape. They are easy to propagate from seed and makes a beautiful specimen, particularly in autumn, when the small, leaves turn to striking gold. Their beautiful, unique leaf structure makes them very attractive and much sought after specimens.
Ginkgo initially grows somewhat slowly: it takes 10 to 12 years to become 20 ft tall and it takes about 20 years before it has a rounded shape. It can be trained as an espalier, hedge or climber.
In favourable conditions the Ginkgo grows from about late May to the end of August about 30cm per year for the first 30 years of its life. In some years it doesn't grow at all, in others 1 metre of growth can occur. It can grow steadily in the shade of a forest until there is a light gap, then it can quickly grow tall. It may grow 50 to 80 ft…eventually !

Sowing:
Sow at any time of year. Sow seeds as soon as possible.
Generally, Ginkgo seeds can be grown indoors all year round if you keep them in a warm and bright spot and follow these instructions. Swipe each seed lightly with sandpaper or a file to remove some of the hard seed coat and soak them over night in lukewarm water.
Plant in small pots (not trays) containing potting soil mixed with approx. 20% sand. Press the seeds into the soil so that they are barely covered.
At 20 to 25 °C, the seeds should germinate after 4 to 5 weeks. If it is colder, the germination takes longer accordingly. Make sure that the soil is always damp but not soaking wet. Keep seedlings out of direct sunlight.

Cultivation:
As soon as the shoots are about 10 to 15 cm high, plant them in a bigger pot. Use soil mixed with some sand. It is a hardy tree, so if you are planning to grow it in your garden, plant it in its final location right away as it is a little slow to recover from transplanting. Water the stem once or twice a month with lukewarm water.

Young trees tend to grow crooked and should at first be staked. Any location is possible. Generally, Ginkgos grow on all soil types. Porous soil is particularly suitable since the tree stores water in its roots which it can fall back on during dry periods. Give plenty of water (more during dry/hot periods) until they are about 6m (20ft).

The Ginkgo is already hardy when young. However, when the leaves change colour in autumn you should cover the young tree around the stem to protect it from frost. If the tree is in a pot over winter inside or in a sheltered area, the pot can be placed outdoors from mid-March onwards.

Pruning:
The tree needs no pruning. If you would like to keep it small, pruning trees can be done in early spring, older trees are seldom pruned.