Erica fontana will grow happily in well-drained, moist, sandy soil conditions and at a pH of 5.5 to 6.7 in the garden and can be grown with other fynbos species that require similar conditions. E .fontana also requires a sunny position in the garden and good air circulation, so space plants adequately when planting. Ericas will struggle to grow in soil enriched with manure or with high lime concentration levels. Propagation from cuttings is more difficult and should be done with suitable facilities, such as mist propagation houses with heated benches and overhead misting. Propagate E .fontana by taking ±40-50 mm cuttings, thin side shoots (heel cuttings) for better results, preferably in autumn in the winter rainfall province Western Cape, but may also be taken in spring or early summer. Use a rooting medium of fine-milled bark and perlite balls at a 50:50 ratio to improve the chances of successful rooting.

Ericas are short-lived fynbos plants, the plant’s health declines rapidly after 10-15 years. Regular pruning will increase the life expectancy of the plants as well as flowering.

Use small pots, about 9 cm, for planting the rooted cuttings in. The potting mix consists of 7 parts milled bark and 3 parts sand. Feed the young plants with an organic liquid fertiliser, a fish emulsion type works well. Transplant well-rooted cuttings into half-litre bags for further root development, the young plants are usually ready to be planted within 3 to 4 months.

In South Africa, Western Cape Province, Erica seeds are best sown in autumn, in the months of April and May. Prepare 100 mm deep seed trays by filling them with equal parts of river sand and sifted composted bark. Treat seeds with the smoke from burning fynbos  or smoke extract, this will improve the success rate of germination. Water the medium well after levelling, the levelling of the medium will ensure even germination of the seeds. Use fine river sand to mix with the seeds this will prevent the seeds from being sown too densely and thus reduce the chances of damping off. The seeds will show signs of germination after 4-8 weeks. Begin to transfer the seedlings as soon as they are about 10 mm high into small pots and be careful not to damage the fine hair-like roots.

Protect the young seedlings from heavy rainfall and direct sunlight, while still providing good light and aeration. The young plants are ready to be planted out in the garden when they are about 100 mm tall

Control fungal attacks on young plants by not sowing seeds too densely and maintaining good air circulation. Apply an appropriate organic contact or systemic pesticide to control mealybug and scale insects.