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.

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.


Botanic information
Leaf: The narrow-linear leaves have a cuneate base and deeply serrated margins that are recurved.

Flower: The small tubulate flowers are packed tightly into a cylindrical terminal or axillary spike that is up to 150mm (6in) long and 55mm (2Ľin) wide. They appear from late spring to early summer.

Fruit: There are up to 25 elliptical follicles that are tomentose when young and have a warty texture. The broad obovate seeds are up to 30mm (1Ľin) long with a wing that is up to 11mm (?in) wide.

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.