The ginkgo is a very interesting tree, after all, its origins go back many millions of years. A single tree can be several hundred years old, even more than a thousand. The ginkgo grows slowly but steadily.

In autumn, the ginkgo bonsai also turns golden

In China, the ginkgo can reach a size of more than 40 meters in its long life, in the garden in this country it usually stays smaller. In autumn its leaves turn bright yellow. Due to its quite large leaves and mostly slender growth, it is not easy to grow as a bonsai. But it is possible, alternatively, buy a young bonsai.

How do I grow a ginkgo as a bonsai?

You can grow a ginkgo from a cutting as a bonsai yourself. However, this requires a lot of patience and at least basic expertise. It is easier to buy a young bonsai and first practice further care and correct pruning.

You should always be very careful when wiring, because the ginkgo bark is relatively soft, especially on the young shoots, and can easily be injured. In principle, however, wiring is possible all year round.

How should I prune my ginkgo bonsai?

Larger cuts heal poorly on the ginkgo and are best sealed with tree wax (€12.96). Cut new shoots only when they have about five to six leaves. Leave one to three of them. The outer sheet faces outwards. Above that, shorten the shoot.

How should I care for a ginkgo bonsai?

The ginkgo, which is otherwise easy to care for, is considered to be quite thirsty, so it needs a relatively large amount of water. However, since it can be quite sensitive to waterlogging, you should water it regularly, but not too much.

Fertilize your ginkgo bonsai about every two weeks. Start fertilizing in the spring with the first sprouting and continue until the foliage turns yellow in the fall. The use of a special bonsai fertilizer is ideal.

The essentials in brief:

  • Bonsai education possible
  • different shapes imaginable
  • Wire carefully because of the soft bark
  • Shorten new shoots to 1 to 3 leaves
  • poor wound healing
  • avoid major cuts
  • high water demand
  • use soft water
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Fertilize regularly from the time they sprout in spring until the leaves change color in autumn
  • repot younger bonsai annually, in March or April
  • repot older bonsai every 3 to 5 years
  • slight root pruning when repotting
  • not susceptible to disease or pests
  • basically hardy
  • Protect root ball from frostbite

tips

A ginkgo can certainly be grown as a bonsai itself. However, for beginners it is advisable to buy a ready-made bonsai.

Category:

Vegetable garden