If only a small amount of seed is needed, an easier way to damage the seed coat is to lightly sand the seeds with sandpaper. The seeds of cyclopias and many other fynbos plants are adapted to germinate after fire. Experiments have shown that it is the smoke of the fire which stimulates the germination of the seed. To get this same effect the seed can be treated with smoke extract , which is produced and sold at Kirstenbosch. The seed must be sown on a medium with good drainage and a low pH of 3.5 to 5.
Germination usually takes place within two weeks.
To prevent damping off, a fungicide should be used. The young seedlings are potted up as soon as they are big enough to handle and grown on in the nursery before planting out. Many plants of the legume family, which include cyclopias, are often difficult to root from cuttings, but Cyclopia genistoides is an exception. Tip cuttings can be made using Seradix 2 as a rooting hormone. Honeybush needs to be planted in full sun and well-drained soil.