Plant Serruria triternata in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Planting on a slope will ensure good drainage. Plants become long and spindly in our gardens as they are pampered and receive too much moisture. As the foliage is rather unattractive, plant the Tulbagh spiderhead in amongst low shrubbery which will also help support the plant. At flowering the flowerheads can be enjoyed popping up amongst other plants.

Incorporate well-rotted compost into the soil before planting and feed twice a year during spring and autumn with a fertilizer specifically formulated for fynbos plants. Another option, instead of fertilising, is to mulch mature plantings with compost which breaks down and releases nutrients.

Water early while the morning is cool. This enables the plant to dry off before the heat of the midday sun. Watering during the heat of the day creates ideal growing conditions for fungi and bacteria. Apply a thick layer of mulch or plant matting groundcovers to keep the soil cool and moist for longer. Water new plantings often for the first couple of months, thereafter water can be reduced.

Spiderheads are not long-lived plants and require replacing every 4-5 years.

Propagate Serruria triternata from cuttings or seed.

Make cuttings from December to March (summer to autumn). Take cuttings 30-50 mm long from the current season's growth. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone solution or powder and plant into a medium of 50% polystyrene and 50% finely milled pine bark. Place in a growing house with bottom heat (25ºC) and intermittent mist. Once the roots are well developed, remove from the mist unit and harden off for three weeks. Plant the cuttings into small pots and grow on until ready to plant into the garden.

Sow seed in April when days are warm and nights start to cool down (late summer to autumn). Smoke-treat and dust the seed with a systemic fungicide. Sow the seed into a seed tray and place in a brightly lit position. Sow on a well-drained medium consisting of 1 part loam, 1 part bark, and 2 parts sand; firm down and cover with a layer of sifted sand. Germination begins after four weeks. Once two true leaves have appeared, prick the seedlings out into small pots or plugs. Place the seedlings in a lightly shaded area with good air circulation. When plants are ± 50-100 mm tall, or after one year's growth, they can be planted into the garden. Nipping out the tips of the seedlings will encourage branching and produce a neater shrub.

The best time to plant into the garden is at the start of the rainy season. This enables plants to establish themselves and send down deep roots before the hot, dry summer arrives.