Seed collected from habitat proved easy to germinate in a well-drained, sandy, acidic medium; the same procedure adopted when germinating fynbos species. The latest fynbos potting mix consists of 8 parts decomposed pine bark and 3 parts river sand. The potting medium should be acidic with an optimum pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Seeds are smoke treated in a sealed tent in the Kirstenbosch nursery, or with instant smoke primer. The seed is small and must only to be lightly covered. Use a fine gentle spray when watering and keep the trays moist and in a warm position. Seed germinates in about six weeks. It is not certain if the smoke treatment improves germination, as no comparative tests have been done.

Prick the seedlings out into small grow plugs when they are 1 cm tall. Feed once a week with a dilute organic fertilizer. Pot the young plant out, when they have filled the container. Villarsia goldblattiana grows well in the same nursery conditions one grow fynbos in. The plants can be grown in full sunlight or under light 40% shade. They grow easily and respond to feeding with liquid or pellet, organic fertilizers. Despite being bog plants they appear to prefer to be grown drier in the nursery, and therefore, the plants should not be kept too wet nor grown as a water plant.

Villarsia goldblattiana grows and flowers well in containers, but should rather be planted in wet garden situations next to ponds, along streams or in boggy areas to show them to their full potential. This species should be planted in groups for better effect. It has only recently been grown at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and is not yet available in the horticultural trade. It should be available at our Annual Plant Fair in the future.