Propagate Leucospermum calligerum from cuttings or seed. Cuttings will flower and be ready to plant into the garden a year after propagation, whereas seeds are rare and young plants will take at least two years before being large enough to plant into the garden.

Take cuttings from summer to autumn (December to March). The cuttings should be 50–80 mm long from the current season’s growth. Choose vigorous, disease-free material. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone powder for semi-hardwood cuttings and plant into a medium of 50:50 polystyrene and finely milled, pine bark. Place in the greenhouse with bottom heat (± 25°C) and intermittent mist. Once the roots are well developed, remove from the intermittent mist and harden off for two to three weeks. Transplant into small pots using a well-drained medium made specifically for fynbos plants, such as 8 parts bark to 3 parts sand. Ensure the pH is acid to neutral, 6.0–6.5 is ideal. Grow on until ready to plant out into the garden.

Sow seed late summer to autumn (February to April). In order to initiate germination, seeds need alternating cold night and warm day temperatures of 4–10°C to 15–21°C. Sow the seed into a seed tray and place in a brightly lit and well-ventilated position. Use a well-drained medium consisting of 1 part bark and 2 parts sand; firm down and cover with a layer of sifted sand. Water seed trays with a fungicide to prevent fungal disease, and treatment with Instant Smoke Plus Seed Primer, will also enhance germination. Germination can be erratic but should begin after four to five weeks. Once two true leaves have appeared, prick the seedlings out into small plugs. Place the seedlings in a lightly shaded area with good air circulation, and when the seedlings are ±100 mm tall, transplant them into small pots. When growing on, regularly monitor for disease and fungus, and treat as necessary. The best time to plant into the garden is at the start of the rainy season (May to August), so that the plants can be established before the dry hot, windy summer arrives.

Before planting, apply well-rotted compost to the soil. Feed twice a year during spring and autumn with a low dose of slow-release fertilizer. Choose fertilizers that have little or no phosphorous formula, as Proteaceae species do not tolerate phosphor. Water early in the morning while the soil is cool, to avoid warm moist conditions, as this creates favourable conditions for fungi and bacteria. Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and moist for longer. Leucospermum calligerum is best suited to a fynbos garden that has well-drained very sandy, acidic soil. A sandy slope where drainage is very good, is ideal. Leucospermum calligerum grows fast in the garden and may flower within two years. Plant it in full sun in groups of three or more to create a spectacular display. Good companion plants include Erica abietina, Thamnochortus bachmannii and Leucadendron strobilinum.