The ideal conditions for this species is full sun, well-drained and composted sandy soil with plenty of air movement. The plants adapt to a wide variety of soil types. Plant young plants at the beginning of the rainy season, as they require regular watering during the first six weeks after planting. After this initial period, the plants can survive with little additional watering, but grow better with a normal garden-watering regime. They may be fed with organic fertilizers and foliar feeds.

Plants are propagated from seed. Seeds must be treated with smoke or 'Instant Smoke Plus' seed primer to germinate. Sow the seeds thickly in an even layer, covering the soil in the seed tray. Sown seeds should then be lightly covered with sand, placed in a warm, well-lit area and lightly watered. The seed tray should be kept moist, but not wet. Germination should occur in ± four weeks. Prick out seedlings when they have developed juvenile leaves and plant into larger containers using a well-drained sandy loam or fynbos mix.

Elegia stipularis is at its best when planted in groups where the bright seasonal colour makes it particularly attractive. It makes an excellent accent or filler plant. Suggested companion plants include Erica, Geranium, Phylica ericoides, Freylinia and Proteaceae species. Its neat appearance suggests that it would make a good container plant, as long as it gets sufficient watering.