Propagation
Fresh seed should be sown in a well-drained media and the kept moist but not wet. Maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F) in an unheated glasshouse or open frame.

Germination occurs within 3-weeks to 3-months depending on the species, then prick out and pot up. Careful not to over water seedlings, as they are prone to damping off and larger plants are difficult to transplant.

When removing seed from Banksia fruits it may be necessary to place the fruit in an oven for 60 minutes at a temperature of 120° C. to simulating the effect of a bushfire to opening the valves.


Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are narrow obovate to oblanceolate with white woolly undersides. They are arranged alternately or whorled towards the end of the branches and the juvenile leaves have serrated margins and the adult leaves are entire.

Flower: The small tubular flowers are arranged in a long lasting cylindrical spike that is up to 80 mm (3? in) wide. The flowers are rich in nectar and are highly bird attracting. The main flowering period is from autumn to winter, but will spot flower during summer.

Fruit: The woody follicles open within a year and the seed is obovate to 22 mm (1in) long and are winged. The fruit persists for many years on the tree.

Culture

General pruning information
When pruning reduce only the new growth as cutting old wood is likely to cause dieback. Limbs may be removed back to the collar.

Cultivation
Generally, Banksia species prefer a well drained, sandy soil that is tending acidic but many species from Western Australia grow on acidic top soils with an alkaline subsoil.

When the growing Western Australian species outside their native habitat technique of building a garden bed, of acidic soil above a layer of agricultural lime commonly produces better results particularly in raised garden beds or on slopes.

During establishment, keep the soil moist but not wet and do not use fertiliser that contains phosphorus.