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 glossy dark green leaves are narrow cuneate to obovate with slightly recurved margins and a truncate apex. The petiole is short and the texture is leathery with some pubescence in pits on the underside.

Flower: The small tubulate flowers are yellow with a cream style and are arranged in a terminal cylindrical spike up to 200mm (8in) long and 70mm (2ľin) wide. They appear from summer to winter and old flowers are persistent on the plant.

Fruit: The elliptical follicle tends to be concealed and covered in rough hairs at first becoming glabrous. The obovate notched seed is up to 35mm (1˝in) long with a curved wing.


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 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.

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.