Propagation
Sow fresh seeds 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 thick leathery lanceolate leaves have very sharply serrated margins that are slightly undulating. The new growth is whitish and tomentose turning dark green with pale green undersides.

Flower: The dense terminal cylindrical spikes are up to 150mm (6in) long composed of small sessile tubulate flowers are yellow grey that have a long curved pistil. They appear from summer to autumn and old flowers are persistent on the tree.

Fruit: The follicles are obovate up to 35mm (1˝in) long. The seed is up to 15mm (ľin) long with a shallow pitted appearance and a curved winged. Old fruit are persistent on the tree for many years and is often used as a decoration.

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.