Protea magnifica (Queen Protea) is a spectacular South African shrub featuring large, bearded white to pink flowers. Seed germination is somewhat unpredictable and requires careful environmental control and smoke treatment.
Before sowing
Smoke / fire
Smoke treatment highly recommended; soak seeds in smoke-water solution for 24 hours using Smoke Seed Primer disc (50ml water per disc)
Smoke seed primer treatment recommended to reduce germination time and increase germination rates
Sowing
Substrate
Well-drained, acidic sandy seed compost (pH 5-6)
Depth
0_5cm
Temperature
20°C
Moisture
media
Container
Seed tray or 500ml clear plastic seedling bags with drainage holes
Day/night swing
Daytime 20°C, nighttime 10°C for 10-20 days triggers germination; fluctuating temperatures required (daytime 75-85°F / 24-29°C, nighttime 55-60°F / 13-16°C)
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 0_5cm · 20°C
Day 21–60
Seedlings emerge
Tips
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Use rainwater if possible. Protect seedlings from mice, birds, and large insects with shade cloth. Do not allow soil to dry out. Once true leaves appear, expose to full sun. Slow growing; takes up to 6 years to reach flowering stage.
Sources: SANBI PlantZAfrica, Australian Seed, Protea Seeds, Chiltern Seeds, Seedville USA
