Description
This kit includes Protea magnifica (5 Seeds) + Smoke Seed Primer (01 Disc)
Smoke Seed Primer is ideal for treating seeds of Proteas. Many wildflower seeds are dormant and need very specific conditions for germination. The smoke seed primer solution contains a combination of natural substances that overcome dormancy and stimulate seed germination. The degree of germination success varies with the species, but on average, treated seeds give at least twice the number of seedlings that untreated seeds do. (Source: proteaseeds)
Protea magnifica, commonly known as the queen protea or bearded sugarbush, is a striking and highly sought-after flowering shrub native to South Africa’s Western Cape province. It is a member of the diverse and ancient plant family Proteaceae. The plant is prized for its large and showy flower heads, which are the second largest in the genus Protea, surpassed only by the king protea (Protea cynaroides).
The queen protea is a variable species, ranging from a low, sprawling shrub to an upright bush up to two meters tall. Its flower heads are its most defining feature, with a shape reminiscent of an artichoke. They are typically composed of a central cone of numerous small florets surrounded by layers of stiff, decorative bracts. The color of these bracts is highly variable, ranging from pale green, white, or cream to various shades of pink and red. The specific epithet “magnifica” literally means “magnificent,” a testament to its beauty. The name “bearded sugarbush” comes from the dense, silvery hairs that cover the inner bracts. Protea magnifica is well-adapted to its natural habitat, which is on hot, dry mountain slopes at high altitudes. It is a “re-seeder,” meaning adult plants are killed by fire, but the species regenerates from seeds stored on the plant, which are then dispersed by wind after a fire.
Germination Guide
🌍 Western Cape region of South Africa
Moderate
Protea magnifica, commonly known as Queen Protea, is an evergreen shrub from the Proteaceae family native to South Africa's Western Cape mountains. Seeds require smoke treatment to break dormancy and improve germination rates. Smoke-priming increases germination percentage significantly and reduces fungal infection losses compared to untreated seeds.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
21 – 90 days
Temperature
Min 10°C
Ideal 20°C
Max 22°C
🌡️ Temperature alternation recommended
— Best time to sow is autumn or spring when day-night temperature difference is approximately 12°C. Ideal day temperature 20°C, night temperature 10°C. Temperature fluctuation is essential for germination - do not use constant temperature conditions
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
-
💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in smoke-water solution (1 Smoke Seed Primer disc in 50ml water) for 24 hours, or soak in 1% hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours as fungicide treatment
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🔥
Smoke/Fire treatment
Use Smoke Seed Primer disc - immerse 1 disc in 50ml water at room temperature, soak seeds for 24 hours. One disc treats up to 100 seeds. Smoke treatment reduces germination time and increases germination rates
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📋
Additional notes
After smoke treatment, dip seed into fungicide solution such as Thiram before planting to reduce fungal infection
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
2 parts coarse river sand, 2 parts peat or decomposed pine needles, 1 part perlite or vermiculite; pH 5-5.5; well-drained acidic soil
Recommended container
500ml clear plastic seedling bags with drainage holes or seed trays covered with transparent cover
Growing Tips
Maintain semi-shade (30% shade-cloth) and protect from animals and insects. Water with fine rose spray, never allowing substrate to dry out completely; use rainwater if possible. Cotyledons appear first, followed by true leaves. Once true leaves appear, gradually expose seedlings to full sun (unless extremely hot - keep under light shade initially). Water daily early morning and allow soil to dry before evening to reduce fungal infection. Do not use bottom heat, greenhouse conditions, or constant temperatures - temperature fluctuation is critical. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Sterilize substrate with boiling water before sowing to eliminate fungal spores. Once established with true leaves, transplant to larger containers and move to full sun when hardened off. Plant out during next rainy season when seedlings are established.
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