We collect the ripe banksia cones from the trees on our property because theses plants have evolved here, adjusting to the soil, climate, wind, and rainfall. The cones must be burnt to open and release the seed. The seeds are sorted and dried and stored. At the right time, the seeds are placed in trays, and smoke water is added to initiate the germination process. The trays are placed in our hothouse, and misted daily until the seedlings emerge. Then the seedlings are re-potted several times as they grow, and placed in the nursery to harden to the elements. The seedlings are planted just before the winer rains, to help get established before the hot, dry summer. For the first two years they will need supplementarity watering over the long summer months to help then get their roots established. Banskia's are the preferred food source for the endangered Carnaby Black Cockatoo.