Erica discolor is a hardy species and not as fussy, like many ericas. It grows in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, with the ideal soil pH between 5.5 and 6.7. It should do well in most gardens in South Africa, where the humidity is not too high and where there is little or no frost. They will do well in coastal gardens, as long as the soils are acidic and they are not exposed to direct salt-laden wind. It grows well in various garden aspects, including open beds, rockeries and on slopes.

Feed plants after flowering with a sprinkling of slow release 3:1:5 or monthly with a good organic seaweed-derived fertilizer. Be careful not to disturb the roots and water regularly in summer, as this is generally the cause of losses with erica. Good results have also been achieved when applying controlled release fertilisers suitable for erica. Be careful not to exceed dosage. 

Pruning will increase flower production, resulting in splendid displays, and increase the life expectancy of the plants. Ericas are relatively short-lived fynbos plants and survive on average up to between ten and fifteen years, after which they need to be replaced. This species is a prolific flowerer and is a wonderful addition to the garden.

Erica discolor is easily grown from seed which should preferably be sown in autumn in the Western Cape. In other regions it should probably be germinated at the beginning of the growing season. Treatment with smoke or smoke extract greatly enhances germination. The seed takes about six to ten weeks to germinate and are delicate in their early stages. It is important not to sow too thickly, as seedlings growing too close together, and overwatering may result in damping off. The young seedlings should be protected from heavy rainfall and direct sunlight, by placing the trays under cover while still providing good light and aeration. The seedlings should be watered gently to avoid washing them out of the tray or flattening their young delicate stems. Allow the young plants to grow to about 10 mm tall, before planting them out into multi-trays or small pots/bags. Plants should be grown up to at least 10 cm, before planting out in the garden.

Propagation from cuttings is more difficult and should be done with suitable facilities, such as mist propagation houses with heated benches and overhead misting. Cuttings are preferably taken in autumn in the winter rainfall Western Cape, but may be taken in spring or early summer as well. Fresh, actively growing, thin side shoots taken as heel cuttings yield the best results. A rooting hormone for semi-hardwood cuttings applied to the cut surface or heel, results in quicker and better rooting. Rooting may take from eight to sixteen weeks and sometimes longer. If the stem tip develops a callus, but does not root, score the callus with a sharp, clean instrument and apply more hormone, and place in a fresh rooting medium. This often results in very good rooting.