Protea magnifica

Germination

Sow under glass. Prior to sowing scarify seed and then soak in hot water, 50°C, for 30 minutes. Sow 5mm deep into a sandy, moist but well-drained seed compost. Ideal day temp. 20°C, allow night temp. to drop to 10°C. Keep soil moist. A cycle of this for 10-20 days should trigger germination. Germination rates may be improved by the use of a smoke treatment. The seedlings must be transplanted to their final growing position as soon as possible after germination, ideally before the first true leaf forms as a long tap root will quickly grow. Grow on under glass. Only move outside in warm weather.

Growing

Ideally grow in a container so that the plant can be moved outside in warm weather and brought inside as the weather cools. Under glass offer full light. Water sparingly in winter. Outdoors the plant must be kept in a frost-free situation in a neutral-acid, well-drained soil. Perfect drainage is important if the plant is to stay outside in cooler weather.

Cultivation

Pruning group 1. No routine pruning necessary. May require restrictive pruning if grown under glass. After pruning mulch and feed. Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.