Although in nature this species grows in marshy, peaty soils, it grows well in average garden conditions. Its basic needs are acidic sandy or loamy soils and a well-ventilated, sunny position. It will also do well if planted in moist positions in the garden.

It is important that all ericas are protected from root disturbance. Turning the soil near the base of the plant should be avoided. Remove weeds when they are small or cut them down so that the soil is not lifted where erica roots occur. This is true for fynbos plants in general.

Mulch around the plant with well-rotted compost, pine needles or leaves. Mulching keeps the soil surface cool and moist and reduces weed growth. Nutrients filter down from the mulch to the plant in regular small amounts similar to what happens in nature.

It is important to feed ericas with organic fertilizers on a regular basis for good results. If Erica patersonii is left unpruned it will either produce one or a few erect stems. Pruning when the plant is young will result in increased branching and therefore a better specimen plant. Plant erect growing species such as E. patersonii with small restios (Cape reeds) to produce a natural fynbos effect.

Erica patersonii has been successfully grown in the summer rainfall areas near Johannesburg and Pretoria where it survives frost remarkably well. This is surprising for a species that is restricted in nature to the relatively mild climate on the coastal plains near the sea. It is, however, important to protect the young plants from frost. Please be sure to water the plants in winter when these regions are dry.

A number of erica species, including Erica patersonii, show symptoms of browning or dieback at their tips. This is a disturbing phenomenon, which if not attended to will spread to other plants and affect the quality of the plant and its ability to produce good flower displays. This problem was thought to be a fungal infection, but is in fact caused by microscopic mites with the possibility of a secondary fungal infection. The infection should be recognized early before too much damage is done and treated with an insecticide for controlling mite infections. Please consult your local nursery.

Propagation

Erica patersonii is best grown from seed that is pre-treated with smoke. The seed is sown and treated with smoke prior to watering the seed trays. The seedlings take about six to ten weeks to germinate and are susceptible to disturbance by heavy watering or to drying out in the early stages. Young seedlings should be protected from heavy rain and direct sunlight by placing the seed trays in a covered area where they get good light and aeration. Sowing too thickly often results in the development of fungal diseases such as damping off. Regularly applying a fungicide listed for treating such a pathogen will control this problem. Allow seedlings to reach a height of 10 mm before planting out into individual plant containers. Grow plants up to at least 100 mm before planting out into the garden.

Propagation from cuttings is difficult because this erica produces very few suitable side shoots. Regular pruning will help, but propagation from seed is preferred.