Nemesia diffusa is a vigorous growing, soft-stemmed herb. It provides seasonal colour and can be grown in a sunny position in the garden or even in semi-shade. It serves as an excellent filler plant, and can be used in an herbaceous border or even as a pot plant, as it is a low-growing shrub.

These plants are easily grown from seed sown in autumn or even from stem cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant once flowering has finished and while the plant is actively growing in early spring. Cuttings can be placed in a mix of sifted bark, coir and perlite. With the help of a rooting hormone, the cuttings can root within 2 weeks under mist irrigation.

Once well rooted, remove the cuttings from the propagation unit and allow them to harden off for a week in a semi-shaded area and, depending on the soil moisture, water them once or twice a day. Pot them up into a medium made up of equal parts sand, bark and compost. Once the plants are well rooted and large enough, plant them into the garden.

If grown from seed, sow seed in March, in a mix made up of equal parts sand, compost and bark; and water regularly with a gentle spray. The seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks. When large enough, plant the seedlings 15–30 cm apart in the garden.