Erica empetrina prefers soil with a pH ranging from 5.5-6.7 and grows best in a sunny position. New growth and flowering can be stimulated by regular pruning, as a general rule prune Erica plants after flowering and seeding. Remove any dead wood and reduce the previous growth to control the plant from becoming tall and thin. The plant responds well to feeding with a fish emulsion or any other organic fertilizer applied at low levels.

The vegetative propagation method is much faster than by seed, Erica empetrina can be successfully grown in greenhouse conditions with a misting system and a constant bottom heat of 24°C. However, cuttings can be placed in an open-air mist spray unit provided that it is shaded during the hot summer months. Take ± 40-50 mm heel or nodal cuttings two months after flowering, from semi-hardwood. Remove the leaves on the lower one-third of the cutting and apply a rooting hormone for semi-hardwood cuttings. The rooting media varies greatly but better results have been obtained by using fine-milled bark and perlite balls at a 50:50 ratio to put the cuttings in.

Transplant the rooted cuttings into small pots, about 9 cm, in a soil mixture of 7 parts bark and 3 parts sand, and water thoroughly. Feed with an organic liquid fertilizer preferably a fish emulsion type every 2 weeks. Once the cuttings are well-rooted, they are potted into half-litre plastic bags containing the same mixture as for rooted cuttings, 7 parts milled bark and 3 parts sand. The young cuttings are watered well after potting and shaded lightly for a month. The cuttings will be ready for planting after about 3 months. Autumn or early winter is the most suitable time for planting out the young plants, because the cooler, wetter weather conditions will assist with their successful establishment. Care must be taken not to damage the fine root hairs when transplanting. Erica plants naturally grow in poor soils, but for best results should be regularly fed with diluted organic liquid or small amounts of organic pellet fertilizers that are low in phosphorus.

Sow seeds in autumn (April and May), when the weather starts to get cooler. Use seed trays about 100 mm deep, filled with equal parts of river sand and sifted composted bark. Place rough materials such as wood chips, chipped stone or newspaper at the bottom of the seed tray to ensure good drainage. Use fine river sand to mix with the seeds and broadcast it on top of the levelled mix, cover it lightly with some of the mixed sand. Treatment of the seeds with ‘fynbos smoke’ or smoke extract greatly enhances germination. Do not sow too densely, as seedlings will grow too close together. Water carefully with a fine hose because seedlings will be washed from the tray. It is also important to avoid overwatering as this may cause damping off. Shelter the seedlings from rain and direct sunlight and ensure good air circulation. The seeds will start to show signs of germination after about two months. Plants should be grown up to at least 10 cm, before planting out in the garden. Plants can be planted out into small pots or multi trays when they reach about 10 mm.

Pests such as mealybug and scale insects may at times attack Erica plants but they can be controlled by applying an appropriate organic pesticide product. Fungal attacks can be prevented by avoiding sowing seeds too densely and always maintaining good air circulation.