This is possibly one of the easiest and hardiest of all herbaceous South African garden plants to grow. It will survive under a vast spectrum of soil types and climatic conditions and is even frost-hardy. It prefers sunny positions, particularly afternoon sun, and thrives in subtropical temperatures which can be simulated by planting it amongst rocks or boulders which retain heat. It prefers wet summers and dry winters but will tolerate water during winter and will survive summer with minimal water. It does not require rich composted soils but will thrive if compost or true fertilisers are provided.

Due to their fragrant sage leaves, they naturally have very few pests and seem to be resilient to fungal and other pathogens. In their natural habitat it is a weevil called Apion rectangulum which attacks all species of Thorncroftia, causing thickened swellings in the stems. However, this is seldom seen in cultivation.

Propagation is easiest by cuttings which can be soft- or hardwood, and rooted (without the need for rooting hormone) at any time of the year, but spring and summer are best. The rooting medium should preferably be sandy and well-drained, but the cuttings should strike in any soil medium. They could also be rooted in water. Providing light shade and plastic covering to increase air humidity will speed up the rooting. 

Seed should be collected during July or August and kept for sowing until September/October (spring in the southern hemisphere). They should be mixed with fine dry sand and sprinkled evenly over a suitable germination medium in a tray. Watering with a fungicide is advisable but not essential. Depending on the ambient temperatures they should germinate within 2-4 weeks. Seedlings grow vigorously and will quickly outgrow cuttings of the same age.