Babiana rubrocyanea is endemic to the winter-rainfall region and naturally requires a wet, frost-free winter and a dry summer. Plants can be grown in frost-free summer-rainfall areas if the corms can be kept dry during the dormant period in the summer. They can withstand temperatures down to 5°C. This deciduous species grows during the winter and spring and remains dormant throughout the summer and autumn.

They are hardy plants well suited for growth in containers or dedicated rock pockets in the garden. While they only flower between August and mid-September (southern Hemisphere), flowering plants make an impressive and striking display, truly a feast for the eyes. In ideal conditions their numbers will increase little by little every year.

Grow Babiana rubrocyanea in full sun or bright light in a well-draining medium consisting of fine bark or fine compost, mixed with equal parts coarse river sand and industrial silica sand. They do tolerate other soil types. Drench heavily two times a week, or more often if needed, during the growing period. Plants may enter dormancy prematurely if the growing medium dries out excessively. Keep the corms completely dry during the dormant period.

Propagate this species from seeds or corms. Propagation from seeds is better suited for growing in pots, while corms fare well in both pots and the garden. Sow seeds in autumn, directly into the desired pot or container. The container should be at least 20–30 cm deep. Separate cormlets from the fibrous collar in the summer and plant them in the early autumn with the corm neck about 3 cm deep. The use of a weak general fertiliser during the growing period is optional. Plants grown from seeds usually flower in their second or third year but may flower as early as seven months if grown in ideal conditions.

The corms are susceptible to Fusarium fungus if the soil does not drain well enough or if the plants are overwatered. It may also affect the leaves in the wet winter period. The Fusarium infection will present as reddish lesions. Treat Fusarium infection by removing the infected tissues to avoid it spreading and by treatment of fungicides labelled for Fusarium. The corms may also be attacked by mealybugs and the leaves by red spider mites. This can be treated by manually removing the insects, infected plant parts, or plants (in extreme cases), or by use of a systemic insecticide labelled for mealybugs/red spider mites. Topical application of neem oil or insecticidal soap may also work.