hakea-francisiana-emu-tree-seeds

This attractive, medium sized shrub features a compact, well-branched crown and dense flowering with 10cm long deep pink-red spikes in the winter to spring.

Endemic to Western Australia, it thrives in a sunny, well-drained soil and is resistant to drought and frost.

For optimal growth, we recommend sowing the seeds in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoiding extreme temperatures.

The ideal temperature for germination is 18-22°C, and seeds should be sown 2-3mm deep in a warm, shaded or semi-shaded location.

The growing medium should be well-draining and kept moist, but not too wet to prevent rotting.

Germination typically occurs within 14-28 days, and pre-germinating the seeds in a closed container with moist vermiculite or a similar material can speed up the process.

Once the seedling has a one centimetre root, it can be transferred to a small pot with seed raising mix.

Although not critical, pre-treatment of smoke may be beneficial for this Hakea. A number of species in the Proteaceae family have shown responsiveness to smoke treatment.

 While germination can occur without smoke treatment, it has been shown to reduce the time it takes for germination and increase germination rates. Simple and easy to do, smoke treatments can be done by soaking seeds overnight or applying to the surface after sowing, both resulting in favorable outcomes.