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 is provided, which is also true of fertilizers.

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 is a weevil which attacks all species of Thorncroftia called Apion rectangulum which causes thickened swellings in the stems. This is seldom seen in cultivation, however.

Propagation is easiest by cuttings which can be soft or hardwood and rooted without the need of rooting hormone at any time of the year, but spring and summer is best. The rooting medium should preferably be sand but they should strike in any soil without the need for shade or a plastic covering. One could probably also root them in water.

Seed should be collected during July or August and kept until September/October (spring) for sowing (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.