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 dark green leaves are oblong to narrow-obovate and are up to 35mm (1 ?in) wide. The texture is leathery with a cousley serrated margin and the apex is obtuse with a small point.

Flower: The tubulate flowers have a perianth tube that is slender with an opening slit, allowing a wiry style to protrude. The flowers are arranged in a cylindrical spike that is up to 170mm (6ľin) long and 120mm (4ľin) wide. It takes up to 6 months for the spike to develop and they appear during autumn.

Fruit: The narrow elliptical follicle is up to 12 mm (Ľin) wide. The valves are tomentose and only open after being burnt. The obovate seed is up to 15mm (˝in) wide with a wing that is up to 23mm (ľin) 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.