BANKSIA grandis 100 seed

A large shrub or small tree with rough grey bark and cylindrical greenish-yellow, maturing to bright yellow flower heads up to 40 cm long by 10 cm wide.
The large leaves are divided into triangular segments, the young growth may be bright red.
The cones that follow the flowers are large and dense and are often used in woodturning because of their size.

Endemic to Western Australia where the species is found in the southwest corner of the State.

Prefers light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position. Drought-resistant but frost tender. Avoid waterlogged soils.

Grow notes.

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

1. The growing medium should be well-draining but should remain damp between watering.
2. Sow the seed 3-4mm deep. Vermiculite is a good medium to use to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature. 
3. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
4. Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke: Not considered critical to germination of this species and germination will generally occur without it.
However many members of the Proteaceae family are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.