Under natural conditions, the seeds germinate during the first winter after fire. Sow seeds in autumn (March-May) in a well-aerated and well-drained mixture. Fluctuating day and night temperatures are also required to break the seed dormancy. For example, a cool night temperature of between 4 and 10°C followed by warm day temperatures of 20-24°C. This is typical of autumn in the Western Cape and promotes germination before the favourably cool, moist winters.

Leucospermum seed germination can be improved by pre-soaking seeds in a 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 hours just before sowing, followed by a dusting of fungicide. Prepare seed trays containing a well-drained mix of bark and fynbos soil (50:50 mix). Place the seed on top of the soil mix, firm down and lightly cover with river sand. Position the seed trays in a sunny, well-ventilated place. Keep the trays moist but never wet. Transplanting: As the first true leaves appear in spring, the seedlings can be pricked out into bags containing a sandy, well-drained fynbos soil. Grow on for a year before planting out, ensuring that they are watered until established. Cuttings taken in late summer to autumn root easily in approximately 4 weeks. Cuttings should be about 200-250 mm long; dipped in a rooting hormone and placed into a coarse, well-drained medium in a unit with bottom heating of between 22-25°C. It is vital to ensure they do not get too wet and receive good air movement as the grey leaves are hairy and the plants susceptible to fungal diseases (L. Nurrish, pers. comm. 2010).

Leucospermum catherinae is ideal in a fynbos setting in the home garden. In a warm sunny position they can reach a height of 3 m and are therefore well suited to grow at the back of a garden bed in a well-drained acidic soil. They are tough, once established, and showy when in flower. Leucospermum catherinae can be pruned to keep them more compact.

Like most members of the Protea family, they are intolerant of rich soils and strong doses of chemical fertilizers with high nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content.