PROTEA lepidocarpodendron - Black Breaded Protea

Protea Lepidocarpodendron commonly known as the Black Breaded Protea is a fast-growing shrub with a good habit and striking flowers with a black-purple silky top that occur from late autumn and winter in its natural range.
The attractive flowers are very sort after for use in floral arrangements.

Occurs naturally in the Western Cape from Cape Town to Kleinmond of South Africa.
Classified as near threatened in the wild.

Grow notes:

The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C and there is a difference in day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summer is hot and dry and your winter is moderate and wet the best time to sow is autumn.
In colder climates with less harsh summers, it is usually better to sow in spring.

1. The growing medium should be well-draining but should remain damp between watering.
2. Sow the seed the depth on the seed size. 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 is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae 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 to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.