Protea nana can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seed-grown plants tend to be more vigorous than those grown from cuttings. It is important to select fertile seed which are fat, whereas unfertile seed show no substance. Sow the seed in late summer to autumn, between March and May, in a well-drained, coarse, sandy soil, mixed with decomposed pine bark or a commercial fynbos soil mix. The growing media should be acidic with a pH between 5 and 6.7. The drop of night temperature in late summer to autumn is important to help stimulate the germination of fynbos seed. You may treat the seed by dusting with a systemic fungicide containing the active ingredient metalaxyl to prevent damping-off of seedlings. It is preferable rather to sterilize the soil with hot water as indiscriminate use of this fungicide has resulted in severe resistance problems. After sowing, sprinkle a light layer of sand to cover any exposed seed. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out a little between watering. Protect the seed from disturbance by covering with a wire grid. Seed should germinate from about 6 weeks on producing fleshy cotyledons, followed by true leaves. Pot out seedlings at the cotyledon stage or when the first true leaves appear. Seedlings should not be over potted, i.e. they should be potted into compartmentalized trays or small bags or pots. Young plants are placed under the protection of light shade 40%, to harden off and develop.