Citronella grass whose botanical name is Cymbopogon nardis is the main source of the famous citronella oil. Research revealed that citronella grass originated in Sri Lanka. This herb has been important in mosquito control because of its power to repel mosquitos. As a gardener, you don’t need to buy the extracted citronella oil for you to control mosquitos. You just grow this amazing herb next to your house or in your garden and you will successfully be able to clear mosquitos away from your compound. Here are steps on how to grow and care for citronella grass.
Citronella grass grows best in full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Use well-draining soil. Citronella grass thrives in moist but not soggy soil. Amend clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Plant the crowns or rhizomes of citronella grass a few inches below the surface in early spring after the last frost date. Space plants 2-3 feet apart. Water freshly planted citronella grass daily until it becomes established. Then water deeply once a week if rain is lacking.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will help produce more of the oils that give citronella grass its mosquito-repelling abilities. Citronella grass can grow up to 5-6 feet tall. Cut back any dead or damaged leaves in early spring. Other than that, little maintenance is needed.
Consider potting and bringing citronella grass plants indoors before the first fall frost. The plants can be overwintered inside near a sunny window and then moved back out in spring. Propagate new citronella grass by dividing established clumps in early spring. Replant the divisions and care for them as new plants.
Be sure to check your local growing zone and conditions to ensure citronella grass thrives in your area. With the right care, it will provide mosquito protection and a pleasant, grassy aroma.
How To Care For Citronella Grass
Sunlight and Soil
Citronella grass thrives in full sun. It does best in moist, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss if needed to improve drainage.
Water
Water young citronella grass plants daily until the roots are established. Then provide plants with about 1 inch of water per week, avoiding wetting the foliage. Allow the soil to partially dry out between watering.
Fertilizer
Feed established citronella grass plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season from spring to summer. This will promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Remove any dead or damaged leaves by cutting them off at the base. Other than occasional trimming of foliage, citronella grass requires little pruning to maintain its form.
Winter Care
In cool climates, citronella grass can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. Move the pots to a sunny indoor location before frost sets in.
Propagation
Propagate new citronella grass by dividing large, overcrowded clumps in early spring. Replant the divisions and care for them as new plants.
Keeping citronella grass healthy with proper sunlight, soil, moisture, and fertilizer will maximize the production of the essential oils that give it the mosquito repelling abilities. Trim off flower heads if you want to maintain the grassy form.
How To Grow Citronella Grass in Pots
Choose containers that are at least 12 inches wide and have drainage holes. Use one plant per pot. Citronella grass has dense roots and prefers being somewhat root-bound in pots. Use a quality potting mix and add in extra small gravel to improve drainage. Citronella grass is vulnerable to root rot if the soil is kept too moist.
Water newly planted pots daily to establish roots. Then allow pots to partially dry out between watering. Be sure excess water can drain away. Citronella prefers moist but not soggy soil.
Give the plants full sun exposure, placing pots in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The Sun helps stimulate oil production. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during active growth in spring and summer. This encourages healthy growth.
Trim back brown foliage or remove offshoots if the pots get overcrowded. Otherwise, the grass requires little pruning. In cold climates, move potted citronella plants to a sunny indoor location for winter before frost hits. Cut back on watering and hold off fertilizing during dormancy.
Every 2-3 years replace some or all of the potting mix with fresh soil to replenish nutrients. You can also divide crowded clumps. With excellent drainage, ample sun exposure, and proper fertilizing, potted citronella grass can thrive indoors and out and provide natural mosquito protection for your space.
FAQs
1. Will citronella cuttings grow in water?
Yes, you can start citronella oil in water, just put the cuttings in water and place it where it can access enough sunlight. After 21 days the roots will start sprouting from the cuttings.
2. How long does it take for citronella to root?
After 2-3 weeks, roots will emerge from the stem and grow into the potting soil.
3. Does citronella like water?
Water citronella grass regularly when the soil begins to dry. Cintonella sometime is drought tolerant so it does not need much water because it can cause root rot.
4. Will citronella grow from cuttings?
Yes, you can start citronella from cuttings and they can grow successfully in water or potting soil.
5. Why do mosquitos do not like citronella?
This is because it interferes with the mosquito’s olfactory receptor, masking the carbon dioxide and lactic acid scents that mosquitos are searching for.
6. Are citronella and lemongrass the same?
No, they are two different plants, here are the differences. Citronella has wider, deep green colored blade-like leaves and features a strong fragrance and taste. While lemongrass has narrow, light green leaves with a light lemony scent and taste.
7. Is citronella water soluble?
Yes, citronella oil is water-soluble oil that gives off a refreshing, soft, and sweet fragrance, with citrus notes.
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