Rafnia triflora is not cultivated or propagated at Kirstenbosch as yet, but we would treat it like other fynbos legumes such as Aspalathus, Liparia and Cyclopia.

Grow Rafnia triflora in a sunny position, in well-drained, acidic soil. Prune after flowering to promote dense, bushy growth and keep tidy. Feed with well-rotted compost or slow-release fertiliser. Water well during autumn-winter-spring and moderately during summer.

Rafnia triflora is well suited to the fynbos garden, the Mediterranean garden, or the water-wise garden in a winter rainfall area but should also do well in gardens outside of its natural range. It is suited to the shrubbery, or the back of the mixed border. R. triflora should do well in large pots or tubs on a sunny patio or in a courtyard garden.

Rafnia triflora is probably easiest to propagate from seed as many of the fynbos legumes are difficult to root from cuttings. Start the process by sorting the good seeds from the bad seeds with a water viability test: put the seeds in a glass jar half filled with water, the good seeds will sink and the bad seeds will float. Discard the bad seeds and scarify the good seeds to weaken the seed coat to allow water to penetrate.

At Kirstenbosch a cylindrical container with sandpaper on the inside is used to scarify seeds. At home, the seeds can be rubbed with sandpaper or some of the seed coat can be scraped off with a sharp knife, but take care not to damage the embryo or your fingers. Put the scarified seeds in warm water and leave over night before sowing. Being a fire-adapted plant, treating the seed with Instant Smoke Plus Seed Primer should increase the percentage germination.

Sow seed in late summer to autumn (March-April-May), in a fynbos mix, i.e. one that comprises 1 part loam, 8 parts milled pine bark, 3 parts river sand and add 200g ammonium sulphate. Cover with a fine layer of river sand and water. Treating the seed with a fungicide that combats pre- and post-emergence damping off will increase the number of healthy seedlings. Place the tray in a warm position but not in direct sun, e.g. under an opaque fibre glass roof. Keep moist but not wet. Expect germination in two to six weeks.

Transplant the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle.

Try semi-hardwood tip cuttings, or semihardwood growth straight from the rootstock, taken in late summer to autumn, or in spring to early summer. Use rooting hormone and place in a mist unit with bottom heat.