Salvia dentata is best grown in open ground in full sun. It requires well-drained, composted soils. The toothed sage will survive with little water, but responds well to regular watering, especially in summer. No extra feeding is necessary for strong, healthy growth in good soils, although an occasional foliar feed will do no harm and the plants will tolerate and respond well to general fertilizing. This sage is quite wind-hardy too. The plants can be pruned every year or alternatively every second year to encourage bushy, non-woody growth. This is best done in late winter, prior to its new spring growth.

Young plants are planted out at the end of spring. Salvia dentata is easily combined with most flowering perennials or shrubs which contrast with its grey foliage, such as Diascia integerrima, Pelargonium citronellum and Orphium frutescens. They also give good contrast with fynbos plants such as Restionaceae, Proteaceae and Erica species.

New plants are easy to propagate from seed and cuttings.Sow seeds in late spring and early summer into general potting soil mix. Seeds germinate quickly and seedlings can be transplanted into well-drained potting soil once the first pair of true leaves appears.

Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings in spring and summer. Cuttings must be without terminal flowering buds. A rooting hormone would improve the chance of root development. Place in rooting medium: 50% fine-milled bark and 50% polystyrene (perlite, vermiculite, river sand and peat are alternatives). Keep cuttings under mist or enclose in plastic bag to retain humidity. Keep warm but out of direct sunlight. Cuttings should root in 2-4 weeks.

Due to the hairy and aromatic leaves the plants do not have any major pest, although mealy bug may settle near the base of the stems and leaves.