Description
Queen Protea Seeds (Protea magnifica)
Rare South African “Woolly Beard” Flower • Exotic Garden Accent
Queen Protea (Protea magnifica), commonly known as the “Woolly Beard”, is one of the most striking and sought-after Protea species. Producing the second-largest flower head after its close relative, the King Protea (P. cynaroides), the Queen Protea features a unique fuzzy beard in the center of its flowers, giving it an exotic and sculptural appearance. Flower head colors vary across mixed hues, making each bloom distinctly beautiful. Its rounded, bushy form creates a stunning visual impact in gardens, container plantings, and floral arrangements.
🌸 Flower & Plant Features
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Second-largest Protea flower head after King Protea
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Unique “woolly beard” in the center of the bloom
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Rounded, bushy growth habit
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Exotic, striking floral display
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Perfect for garden focal points, borders, or cut flower arrangements
🌿 Growth & Soil Requirements
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Prefers well-drained, acidic soils
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Light feeders; do not over-fertilize with strong fertilizers or manure
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Sensitive to root disturbance; protea roots are highly susceptible to infection if tampered with
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Tolerates some wind but may suffer foliage burn in strong salt winds
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Thrives in full sun once established
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Requires light watering after establishment
❄️ Climate & Hardiness
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Can tolerate short periods of frost down to 25°F (-4°C)
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Does not thrive in coastal foggy regions with year-round moisture
Why Grow Queen Protea?
Queen Protea is a rare, exotic, and highly ornamental plant ideal for gardeners looking to add a dramatic focal point or unique flower display to their landscape. Its striking flowers, unusual fuzzy centers, and bushy form make it a prized choice for collectors and floral enthusiasts alike.
Protea Germination:
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Fungicide Soak: Optional but recommended. Soak seeds in a fungicide solution for at least 12 hours to speed germination.
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Soil & pH: Use a mix of coarse river sand + peat or decomposed pine needles + perlite in equal parts. Maintain pH 5.5–6.0 and ensure good drainage.
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Sterilize Substrate: Microwave for 3 minutes or oven for 45 minutes. Cool before planting.
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Planting Container: Use a container of ≈500 ml (2 cups soil) with drainage holes. Leave 2–3 inches space at the top.
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Planting: Plant seeds at a depth equal to their size. Water initially with fungicide solution, then keep soil moist, not wet to prevent rot.
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Temperature & Humidity: Use a heated mat (~84°F / 29°C day) with cooler nights (~55°F / 13°C). Cover with plastic or humidity dome with small ventilation holes.
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Patience: Germination is slow and erratic. Some seeds may sprout in 1 month, most take up to 3 months.
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Post-Germination Care: Avoid direct sunlight at first. Gradually acclimate seedlings to light. Keep substrate moderately moist, use a spray bottle, do not let dry out.
Instrucciones de Germinación de Protea:
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Remojo en Fungicida: Opcional pero recomendado. Remoje las semillas en una solución fungicida durante al menos 12 horas para acelerar la germinación.
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Suelo y pH: Mezcle arena gruesa de río + turba o agujas de pino degradadas + perlita en partes iguales. Mantenga pH 5.5–6.0 y asegure buen drenaje.
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Esterilizar Sustrato: Microondas por 3 minutos o horno convencional por 45 minutos. Dejar enfriar antes de plantar.
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Recipiente: Use un recipiente de ≈500 ml (2 tazas de sustrato) con agujeros de drenaje. Deje 2–3 cm libres en la parte superior.
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Siembra: Plante las semillas a la profundidad de su tamaño. Riegue inicialmente con solución fungicida y luego mantenga el sustrato húmedo, no mojado para evitar pudrición.
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Temperatura y Humedad: Use estera calefactada (~29°C día) con noches más frescas (~13°C). Cubra con plástico o cúpula con pequeños orificios de ventilación.
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Paciencia: La germinación es lenta y errática. Algunas semillas brotan en 1 mes, la mayoría hasta 3 meses.
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Cuidado Post-Germinación: Evite luz solar directa al inicio. Acostumbre gradualmente las plántulas. Mantenga el sustrato moderadamente húmedo, use pulverizador, no deje que se seque.