Pelargonium ternatum can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. Stems 100 to 150 mm long can be taken at any time of the year from a healthy vigorous plant. Select softwood or herbaceous growth from the plant. The plant material selected should also be free of pests and diseases, and it is best to remove any flowers present on the stems as well. The use of a rooting hormone powder will speed up the rooting process, especially for the softwood cuttings. Place the cuttings in river sand in cold frames and keep them moist. If you do not have cold frames then a well lit warm area in the garden will do. The cuttings should root in 2-4 weeks. Give the rooted cuttings a 2-3 week weaning or hardening-off period and transplant them into a well-drained potting soil mix and place them in a sunny position. Feed with an organic-based liquid fertiliser. As soon as they have formed a strong root-ball they can be planted out into the garden.

Sow seeds in late summer to early autumn. The seed should be sown in a light, well-drained potting mix. Sow the seeds evenly in the seed tray and cover them with fine white sand or fine-milled pine bark. Water the seeds gently but thoroughly with a fine rose spray and place them in light shade with no direct sun. Seed germinates in 2-3 weeks.

This Pelargonium is able to adapt to most gardens like many other Pelargonium species as it experiences a range of environmental conditions in its natural habitat. It will thrive in cultivation and is well suited for your rock garden. In the Western Cape the best time to plant is during the rainy months of winter to allow plants to establish themselves before the warm, dry summers. It prefers a sunny spot in your garden. Pruning is usually done in late summer to early autumn. This provides the plant with enough time to grow again before winter sets in. Pelargoniums need to be cut back to keep them neat and vigorous. Remove any dead growth as well. This will provide you with a good flowering plant for many years to come. Happy gardening.