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.
Semi soft tip cuttings use a misting bench.


Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are linear to acicular with recurved margins and a notched apex. They are silvery on the undersides and have a pale mid rib.

Flower: The tubulate flowers are pale yellow with golden to orange-red styles and are arranged in a dense terminal cylindrical spike to 225mm (8in) long appearing form autumn to spring. They are rich in nectar attracting birds and spent flowers fall from the plant.

Fruit: The follicle is oblong up to 20mm (ľin) long with a smooth body and surrounded by thick hairs. The obovate seed is winged with the body up to 10mm (˝in) long. The old fruit last for many years on the tree and the follicles are partly hidden.

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.