Ericas can grow in a variety of habitats but always prefer soil with good drainage and a low pH (4 to 5.5). In addition to good drainage, they also require a sunny position in the garden and good air circulation, so enough space needs to be provided between plants when planting. Ericas will not grow well in the soil where manure was added or when the concentration of lime in the soil is high and when exposed to intense heat or poor sunlight. Prune the plant lightly after flowering, this will encourage the development of new shoots. Ericas respond well to an organic liquid fertiliser such as a fish emulsion when planting in pots.

Erica heliophila can be grown by taking ± 40-50 mm cuttings two months after flowering, from semi-hardwood, heel or nodal cuttings. Use a rooting medium of fine-milled bark and perlite balls at a 50:50 ratio to improve the chances of successful rooting. Propagation by cuttings has the advantage that a young plant will develop in a shorter time period than when propagating by seeds. Erica heliophila can be successfully grown in a greenhouse, place the cuttings on a hot bench with a constant bottom heat of 24°C. However, cuttings will also develop successfully in an open-air mist spray unit provided that they do not dry out or overheat, to prevent this they can be lightly shaded during the summer months.

Use small pots, about 9 cm, to transplant the rooted cuttings. Transplant the young plants into half-litre plastic bags as soon as the roots develop further and the plant shows some substantial growth. The growth medium to be used at this stage is 7 parts milled bark and 3 parts sand, the young plants need to be watered well and monitored so that it does not dry out. Feed with an organic liquid fertiliser preferably every 2 weeks and shade lightly for a month. The young plants will be ready for planting after about 3 to 4 months.

In South Africa, Western Cape Province, the erica seeds are best sown in autumn, in the months of April and May. Treatment of the seeds with ‘fynbos smoke’ or smoke extract greatly enhances germination. Use seed trays about 100 mm deep, filled with equal parts of river sand and sifted composted bark and ensure that the trays drain well by placing newspaper or a thin layer of stones in the bottom of the tray. Level the mixture by firming it down, the levelling of the soil in the tray will ensure even germination of the seeds. Water the seed tray well before sowing, and apply the water with a fine rose pipe nozzle.

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. Broadcast the seeds on top of the levelled mix and cover it lightly with some of the mixed sand. Water the seeds again after sowing, do this carefully so as not to spill the seeds from the tray. Do not place the seed trays in direct sunlight or where they will be exposed to rain, always ensure good air circulation. The germination of seeds varies from one to two months. Transplant seedlings into small pots as soon as they reach 10 mm.

Australian mealybug and scale insects can be controlled by applying an appropriate organic contact or systemic pesticide. Control fungal attacks on young plants in the propagation unit by maintaining good air circulation and not sowing seeds too densely.