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 dark green obovate to oblong leathery textured leaves are up to 15 mm (? in)wide with slightly recurved margins that have pointed serrations or maybe almost entire. The apex is obtuse and the base is cuneate.

Flower: The small tubulate flowers have pale yellow perianth segments that are up to 45 mm (1ľ in) long and pubescent on the outside with a protruding slightly curved pistil that is up to 42 mm (1? in) long. The flowers are arranged densely in a terminal cylindrical spike that is up to 170mm (6ľin) long andappear from late autumn to winter and old flowers persist on the plant.

Fruit: The numerous semi-elliptical follicles are up to 9 mm (?in)wide and are sparsely covered in fine tomentose. They are arranged densely in a woody cluster opening after fire to release smooth obovate seeds to 12 mm (˝in) long that have a notched wing to 16 mm (? 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 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.