Ginkgo and Lack of Dormancy

dbz12fan

Yesterday, the Bonsai Society of Brevard went on a bus trip to Tom Brantley and Mike Rodger's nurseries. I was impressed with the material avaliable at both nurseries, but I was suprised to see a few ginkos at Tom Brantley's nursery. I had been under the impression that ginkos would not do well in Florida, but Tom's looked perfectly healthy. So, Rob Kempinski and I both decided to buy a small five dollar ginko from Tom to see how they would do a little further south. Rob said that if it were to die, the most likely reason would be due to a lack of a dormant period. So then I began to wonder, would it be possible to refrigerate a ginko during the winter months to give it a false dormant period? Has anyone ever had any success doing this with any other species?

Anyways, the tree was only five dollars. So, it should be a fun project to try even if it does not make it. I have a large, empty refrigerator in the garage that is kept very cold. So, if it does survive, the tree does not have to be kept small. Any suggestions on how to make the refrigeration period a little easier on the ginko?

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"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

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bmor

Charles, I think that zone 9 is the cusp of zone hardiness for Ginkgo's but I could be mistaken. I can't answer your dormancy question but.... maybe you'll see this one while your tree is on display at Disney and could ask about it's care? http://www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/americanorth.htm

You likely already have seen this site as i'm pretty sure i came accross it on some thread here at Bonsaitalk--- http://www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/

cheers
B

007

cant really say for ginko, but I have refirdgerated a giant sequoia seedling for dormancy and it worked beautifully. There was a thread on it a little while back. The tree is now growing like a little weed after being in there for about 5 months or so.

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Dale Cochoy

Charles,
I don't ever remember seeing any Ginkgos in shows down there. Tom probably got them in a deal up north more ( Maybe Wash.DC).

If you need to overwinter it....Here is a good place!!!
25 and snow last nite.....75 two days before!!! Glad I didn't move anything out.

BTW, Didn't know Mike Rogers had a retail Nursery. Is it new? Shows?
Dale

__________________
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If you want to be Different....
You have to DO something Different!
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Some people NEVER take the time to do a job right the first time....
but, they always seem to make the time to do it over again...
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Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery
Hartville, Ohio

Bonsainut

Zone 9 here no problems with ginko. It seems to be one of the only trees in So-Cal to get any kind of fall color. Keep testing those urban bonsai myths,Brother!
Good luck with it

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Keep growing,---'Nut



Lethal Use of Farce

dbz12fan

Dale,
You are correct, Mike does not have a retail nursery. It is at his house, but he is willing to sell his trees.

__________________
"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

dbz12fan

I would guess the reason why Disney can grow ginko in Orlando is because Orlando gets much colder than it does here in Vero. They are in the middle of the state, so the ocean does not warm the temperatures like it does here. Also, they are about an hour north of Vero, so they will get cooler temperatures being further north. An extra five to ten degrees could be the difference.

__________________
"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

robert1955

Like the nut I live in zone nine. My lows this last winter were in the low 40's and my Gingkos do very well and like the nut good fall color. Give it a try, baby.

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The older you get, the older old is.

Daytonabonsai

Just to clarify , Mike has KILLER trees, hes also one of the reasons I try to grow the very best trees I can. he loves big stuff AND small stuff . and has tons of raw stock for sale . but , as this is his house , not EVERYTHING is for sale , in fact , most of the very nice finished trees are NOT for sale , so if he says they are not for sale , dont push him lol. youll find someone who is funny , knowledgable , and willing to share whatever he knows if you ask . AN interesting fellow . He is one of my fav pals to chum around with to be honest . so call for an appointment if youd like to see him , but as he works full time , plan to call a few weeks ahead . By the way , Ginkos grow just fine here . I have a few customers who have put them in the ground and they go dorment for maybe 2 months tops . also , the leaves look pretty bad around mid summer , just like the maples , so be prepared to move to a shadier spot when the heat comes . Ive grown them here in fl for 10 years with very few loses and excellent cutting success.