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 erect stiff leathery textured oblong leaves are up to 40 mm (1? in) wide witha narrowly cuneate to obtuse apex. The upper surface is velvety becoming glabrous and the underside is densely covered in white tomentose. The yellowish petiole is up to 100mm (4in) long.

Flower: The tubulate flowers have perianth segments that are up to 28 mm (1? in) long with the cream-coloured curved limb and covered in course hairs. They are arranged in a cylindrical vertical spike that is up to 160 mm (6Ľ in) long appearing at ground level, from spring to early summer. Spent flowers are persistent the plant for up to one year.

Fruit: The elliptical follicles are densely tomentose and split open after fire to release an obovate seed that has a body up to 15 mm (? in)long by 20 mm (ľ in)wide with a notched wing up to 25 mm (1 in) 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 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.