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 large obovate leaves have a cuneate base and are up to 120mm (4ľin) wide. It has up to 9-large serrations or triangular lobes along the margins and the woolly underside is pail green.

Flower: The tiny tubulate flowers have exserted pistil that are up to 26mm (1in) long and are packed tightly in a cylindrical spike that is up to 180mm (7in) long. They appear during late spring.

Fruit: The elliptical follicle is covered in hairs (hirsute) with smooth valves that are up to 8mm (?in) wide and surrounded by the persistent dead flowers. The tapering seed is up to 12mm (Ľin) long and the wing is to 12mm (Ľin) wide.


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 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.