How to Grow Citronella: Complete Guide to Mosquito Control!

Tired of mosquitoes ruining your time outdoors? Knowing how to grow citronella can help you create a natural, fragrant barrier against these pests right in your garden or patio. Citronella is a hardy plant that thrives with plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent watering. Once established, it not only adds a lush, green touch but also helps keep mosquitoes at bay, making your outdoor space more enjoyable all season long.

What is Citronella?

Citronella commonly refers to Pelargonium citrosum (citronella geranium), a scented geranium often mistaken for true citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus). Both are valued for their citrusy aroma, but the geranium is especially popular in home gardens due to its ornamental leaves and ease of care. This plant not only adds a pleasant fragrance to outdoor spaces but also serves as an attractive decorative element with its lush foliage and delicate flowers, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for both beauty and functionality.

Benefits of Growing Citronella

• Natural mosquito repellent: The plant’s oils help deter mosquitoes and other pests, making it a natural alternative to chemical repellents.
• Aromatic foliage: Enjoy a fresh, lemony scent in your garden or home, which can uplift the ambiance and create a relaxing environment.
• Versatile cultivation: Grows well in the ground or containers, indoors or outdoors, adapting easily to various climates and settings.
• Attractive appearance: Lush green leaves and delicate flowers enhance any landscape, adding both texture and color to your garden design. Additionally, its ease of maintenance makes it suitable for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

How to Grow Citronella: Step-by-Step

1. Choosing the Right Time and Place

• Planting Season: Plant citronella in spring, after the last frost and once the soil has warmed, typically the same time you’d plant tomatoes. This timing ensures the plant has the best chance to establish strong roots before the heat of summer.
• Sunlight Requirements: Select a spot with partial shade to full sun. Citronella thrives with at least six hours of sunlight daily, but some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch in hot climates. Proper light exposure encourages healthy growth and maximizes the plant’s aromatic oils.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Citronella geraniums are perennial in zones 9b–11. In colder zones, treat them as annuals or overwinter indoors to protect them from frost damage and ensure survival through colder months.

2. Preparing the Soil

• Soil Type: Citronella prefers fertile, well-drained soil. While it tolerates a range of soils, moderately rich, moist soil promotes the best growth by providing essential nutrients and preventing root rot.
• Soil Amendment: Mix several inches of aged compost or organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil to improve fertility and drainage. This amendment supports beneficial microbial activity and enhances soil structure.
• Container Growing: Use a high-quality, organic potting mix for containers, ensuring good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the roots.

3. Planting Citronella

• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for air circulation and healthy growth, reducing the risk of disease and encouraging fuller plants.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot to avoid stem rot and ensure the plant establishes well in its new location.

4. Watering and Feeding

• Watering: Check soil moisture every few days. Water when the top inch feels dry, providing a deep soak but avoiding waterlogged conditions that can cause root diseases.
• Feeding: Fertilize regularly with a balanced, water-soluble plant food to encourage lush foliage and blooms, supporting vigorous growth throughout the growing season.

5. Ongoing Care and Maintenance

• Pruning: Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness and remove spent flowers to promote new growth, keeping the plant tidy and productive.
• Pest and Disease Management: Citronella is generally pest-resistant, but watch for aphids or fungal issues in humid conditions. Early detection and treatment help maintain plant health.
• Winter Care: In zones below 9b, bring plants indoors before frost or treat as annuals. Indoors, place in a bright window and reduce watering to mimic natural dormancy and prevent overwatering.

How to Grow Citronella from Seed

Growing citronella from seed is uncommon, as most home gardeners start with young plants or cuttings. However, if you source seeds:

• Seed Starting: Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Use a sterile seed-starting mix and lightly cover the seeds to protect them while allowing light for germination.
• Germination: Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70–75°F). Seeds may take several weeks to germinate, so patience and stable conditions are essential.
• Transplanting: Once seedlings have several true leaves and outdoor conditions are suitable, transplant them into prepared beds or containers. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions to avoid shock.

How to Grow Citronella from Cuttings

Propagating citronella from cuttings is the most reliable and quickest method to multiply your plants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Citronella from Cuttings

1. Take a Cutting

• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to cut a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4–6 inches long. Cut just below a node (the bump where leaves emerge), as this is where roots will develop most readily.

2. Prepare the Cutting

• Remove all but the top two leaves to reduce water loss and encourage root development. If the remaining leaves are large, trim them down to minimize stress on the cutting and improve moisture retention.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone

• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to speed up root formation. Natural alternatives like honey or willow water can also be used as effective rooting agents.

4. Plant the Cutting

• Insert the cutting into moist potting soil or a container of water. Ensure at least one node is below the soil or water surface to maximize root growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy to prevent rot.

5. Provide Proper Conditions

• Place the cutting in indirect light or under a grow light for the first few days, gradually introducing it to direct sunlight as roots develop. Mist the cutting daily to maintain humidity and reduce stress.

6. Transplanting

• After 2–3 weeks, check for root growth. Once roots are established, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the garden, where it can continue to grow and thrive.

Common Questions About Growing Citronella

How fast does citronella grow?

With optimal conditions, citronella can reach 2–4 feet in height within a single growing season, making it a relatively fast-growing plant that quickly fills out garden spaces.

Can citronella be grown indoors?

Yes, citronella thrives in bright indoor locations. Use a well-draining potting mix and provide at least six hours of sunlight or supplemental grow lights to mimic natural conditions and promote healthy growth.

How do I overwinter citronella?

Before the first frost, bring container plants indoors. Prune lightly to reduce energy demands, reduce watering to prevent root rot, and place in a sunny window until spring to keep the plant healthy through winter.

Expert Tips for Thriving Citronella Plants

• Regular Pruning: Pinch back stems to keep plants bushy and prevent legginess, encouraging a fuller, more attractive appearance.
• Companion Planting: Grow citronella near patios, doorways, or seating areas to maximize its mosquito-repelling benefits where you spend the most time outdoors.
• Container Mobility: Use pots to move plants indoors or outdoors as needed for climate control, protecting them from extreme weather and extending their growing season.

Conclusion: Cultivating Healthy, Fragrant Citronella

Growing citronella is a practical and enjoyable way to enhance your garden’s beauty and functionality. By following these expert-backed steps, you’ll master how to grow citronella, whether from nursery plants, seeds, or cuttings. With proper care, your citronella plants will thrive, providing lush foliage, delightful fragrance, and a natural barrier against pesky mosquitoes. This plant thrives best when given a combination of rich soil, consistent watering, and regular feeding. Enjoy the fresh scent and insect-repelling qualities all summer long, making your outdoor spaces more pleasant and comfortable.

“Citronella will grow best with a mix of great soil and premium plant food. Feed regularly, water when the top inch is dry, and enjoy the fragrant leaves and flowers in summer arrangements.”

Ready to start your citronella journey? Let’s grow together!