How to Grow Citronella

Citronella, a fragrant grass known for its mosquito-repellent properties, is a popular addition to gardens and patios—and for good reason.

This incredible offers a natural way to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects!

Beyond its bug-repelling benefits, citronella offers a wide range of uses.

Let’s learn how to cultivate this versatile plant!

Why Grow Citronella?

One of the primary reasons to grow citronella is its effectiveness as a natural mosquito repellent.

In fact, citronella oil, derived from the plant, is a common ingredient in mosquito repellents. Growing citronella can help keep mosquitoes at bay naturally.

Planting citronella around outdoor living spaces can create a natural barrier against mosquitoes, enhancing your comfort during summer evenings.

While citronella is practical in this way, it is also pleasing to the eye. With its tall, grass-like appearance, citronella can add a lush, tropical look to gardens and container arrangements.

Are you interested in extracting and making your own essential oils? Citronella would be a great one to grow as its plant oils can be used in aromatherapy, homemade candles, soaps, and lotions.

How to Grow Citronella

Selecting the correct type of citronella is crucial for achieving the desired benefits.

True Citronella vs. Lemongrass: It’s important to select Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus—the true citronella grass—as opposed to lemongrass, which is often confused with citronella but has different properties.

Before planting citronella, you’ll want to choose a location that will help it thrive. Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day.

The soil needs to be well-draining soil, so consider amending it with compost and peat moss (or coco coir) to improve fertility and drainage.

When you’re ready to plant, space seeds or plants about 24 inches apart to allow for vigorous growth and air circulation.

There are two methods you can use to plant citronella:

• From Seeds: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• From Cuttings: Take cuttings from mature plants and root them in water or soil. This method is faster and more reliable than growing from seeds.

How to Care for a Citronella Plant

Caring for a citronella plant involves regular maintenance to ensure it thrives and provides its many benefits.

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Citronella plants prefer consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is evenly moist.
• Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, especially in cooler climates or during the winter months.
• Humidity: Citronella prefers moderate to high humidity. If grown indoors, consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray nearby to maintain humidity levels.

Fertilizing

• Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients. A 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer works well.
• Feeding Schedule: Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall). Reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

Pruning

• Regular Trimming: Prune your citronella plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Trim back any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves.
• Prevent Legginess: Seedlings are said to be “leggy” when it develops long stems with few leaves. It’s generally not a good sign. To avoid this, cut back long stems to promote a fuller plant. This helps the plant stay compact and manageable, especially if grown in containers.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests: Citronella is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases.

Overwintering

• Indoor Care: In colder climates, bring potted citronella plants indoors before the first frost. Place them in a sunny window where they can receive adequate light.
• Reduced Watering: During the winter months, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid fertilizing until spring.

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Harvesting & Using Citronella

Harvesting citronella is a straightforward process that maximizes the plant’s benefits for repelling mosquitoes, aromatherapy, and other uses.

The best time to harvest citronella is in late summer when the plant’s foliage is mature and lush.

To harvest, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the leaves, taking care not to damage the main stem. It’s important to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the day’s heat intensifies, as this is when the plant’s essential oils are most potent.

Once harvested, you can use the fresh leaves immediately or preserve them for later use.

Fresh citronella leaves can be crushed and rubbed directly on the skin as a natural mosquito repellent. This method releases the essential oils contained within the leaves, providing immediate protection against pests.

You can also place fresh leaves in strategic areas around your home and outdoor spaces to help deter mosquitoes and other insects.

For longer-term use, drying the citronella leaves is a practical option.

Spread the harvested leaves in a single layer on a drying rack or hang them in small bunches in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.

If you have a freeze dryer, it does an excellent job of preserving the potent scent of citronella. Although, plan to give the inside of your machine a good cleaning afterward because it will likely smell like citronella.

Once fully dried, store the leaves in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

Dried citronella leaves can be used in homemade sachets, potpourri, or as a natural air freshener, releasing their lemony scent over time.

Growing citronella is a delightful way to enhance your garden and enjoy its numerous benefits.

With its pleasant scent, natural mosquito-repelling properties, and ease of care, citronella is a versatile plant that adds value to any outdoor space.