Pelargonium triste can be grown from cuttings, seed and from dividing clumps of the tubers. Cuttings can be made in autumn or spring. Short stem cuttings can be taken and dipped into rooting hormone to promote the formation of roots. The cuttings are placed in a propagation medium made up of coarse river sand. They are then kept in a cold frame until rooting has taken place. Once rooted, plants are potted into a well-drained, composted mixture for further growth.

Seeds can be sown in late summer in a well-drained soil mixture. Germination usually takes place after three weeks. The seedlings should also be potted in a well-drained, composted soil mixture.

Tubers can be divided when the plant is not in its active growing stage.

These plants are best grown in containers, unless one has a very well drained site with sandy soils. It is best to withhold water during their dormant period, but in the Kirstenbosch pelargonium collection the plants are watered in summer and retain their leaves throughout the year. They are grown in pots with excellent drainage.