How to Grow Citronella (Mosquito Repellant Plant)

A member of the geranium family, citronella carries the fragrance of citrus on its foliage their leaves smell wonderful.

Most of us have heard of citronella as a mosquito repellent, but did you know that it can also be used in soaps and candles? Traditionally grown in tropical areas of Asia, the citronella herb is a beautiful addition to your home garden that can help keep blood-sucking mosquitoes and irritating whiteflies at bay.

It can also be used to make citronella essential oil. Ready to start? Here's what you need to know to be successful in growing citronella.

How to grow citronella

Citronella grass is relatively free of dirt. You can grow it as an annual or a perennial if you live in a warmer climate. You can plant citronella by seed, transplant, or root division. Transplants or root divisions are easier because the seeds can go bad.

Water and sunlight needs

Citronella grass grows well in zones 9 to 12. It does not like harsh winter conditions. Grow it as an annual in zones 3-8.

These plants need full sun to separate from the sun. It provides you with morning sun and afternoon shade. Six hours of sunshine a day is ideal. Clay soil with a pH of 6.5 is best. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil before planting.

Citronella needs a lot of water and nutrients, but it likes well-drained soil to avoid wet roots. If you live in a humid climate, plant on a hill so the soil drains naturally.

When to plant

Plant outdoors in spring, after the last frost and the soil, has warmed up. You can grow citronella in pots at any time.

Container planting

Citronella grows well in pots. It's easy to move the plant in the sun as the season changes and move indoors if you live in cooler areas. Citronella grass grows up to 20 feet tall depending on the variety, so the container helps keep it to a more manageable size. Simply cut to the desired height and width.

Use a well-draining potting mix and a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter. Feed monthly with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer and don't let the soil dry out.

Planting seed

Citronella seeds can be difficult to find locally, so you may need to buy them online. If you are lucky enough to get some seeds, plant in small pots with a seed growing mix and keep the pot at a constant temperature of about 64 ° F, using a heating mat if necessary.

Keep the mixture moist at all times, and once germinated and at least three inches tall, transfer the plants to your garden or permanent container.

Propagating from the Division

In late fall, trim all the leaves and then dig out the citronella plant. To do this, carefully dig and expose the roots of the plant.

Gently loosen the soil around the roots and lift everything off the ground. Cut the roots into equal pieces and plant them in pots. Plant the division in a new location in the garden or in a container.

Plant transplants

Citronella grass can grow up to 6 feet in the right conditions and 3 feet wide, so they need a large spot in the garden. Apply plenty of organic matter to the soil and dig out a well-balanced fertilizer a week before planting or transplanting.

Dig a hole twice the width of the root system. Put the plant in place and fill it in around the roots and press firmly. Water well and keep it moist for the first few months.

Spacing

Plant citronella grasses two feet apart so it has room to spread. Although citronella is not invasive because it does not reproduce through hallways as some grasses do, it spreads easily and can block other plants.

Caring for citronella grass

After burying it, citronella is not very picky. They need regular feeding, water, and some pruning to keep them under control. Citronella is a hungry plant. Use a general-purpose fertilizer with high nitrogen content. I do this in early spring for established plants.

Citronella plants need regular watering in well-drained soil. Allow the first inch of soil to dry before adding more water. Citronella plants grow large and thick, but the only pruning necessary is to remove the leaves as they yellow and die.

This gives the plant the ability to put energy into the remaining leaves, such as when blooming with dead flowers. However, if you want to keep the plant in check, trim it regularly.

We hope you enjoy this video about how to grow and propagate a Citronella plant:

Source: Stacey Here We Grow Again

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