Citronella, a natural insect repellent commonly used in mosquito-repelling products, is also a versatile addition to the home garden. Not only can it help deter blood-feeding mosquitoes and pesky whiteflies, but it’s also a beautiful ornamental plant that thrives in tropical environments of Asia. Furthermore, its essential oil can be extracted for various uses. Before you start cultivating this fragrant grass, here are some key points to consider.
Varieties of Citronella
The true citronella plant, a type of clumping grass, bears a striking resemblance to lemongrass. Its deep green foliage is often accentuated by a subtle pink or purple tint at the base of its leaves. However, it’s not uncommon for another plant, Pelargonium citrosum, also known as scented geranium, to be mistakenly marketed as citronella. This impostor boasts broad, serrated leaves and is sometimes sold under the misleading moniker ‘mosquito plant.
‘ While it may possess a pleasant citronella aroma, its essential oil production capabilities are non-existent, rendering it unsuitable for extracting citronella oil.
Ceylon Citronella
In many home gardens, Ceylon citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is a popular choice for its versatility and functionality. Not only can it be grown as an attractive ornamental grass, but its essential oil also has natural pest-repelling properties, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Reaching approximately three feet in height, this variety is a great option for those looking to add some visual interest while also keeping pests at bay.
Java Citronella
Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka, but its popularity in Indonesia is undeniable. One of the distinct characteristics of this variety is its broader leaves compared to Ceylon, allowing it to grow faster and reach a height of approximately 4 feet.
West Indian Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly referred to as lemongrass, is a versatile herb that belongs to the citronella family. In addition to its culinary applications, it’s also prized for its insect-repelling properties and highly sought-after essential oil. Notably, this fragrant plant can grow up to 4 feet in height, making it a striking addition to any garden or indoor space.
East Indian Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon flexuosus, a species native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, is the most commonly utilized lemongrass for culinary purposes and adding fragrance to cosmetics. This variant of lemongrass can grow up to 6 feet in height and spread outwards by up to 3 feet, making it a striking addition to any garden or landscape.
Palmarosa or Gingergrass
For centuries, Cymbopogon martini has been prized for its essential oil, which is extracted from wild-harvested and cultivated plants alike. With a rich history of use, this herb has garnered attention for its potential medicinal applications, particularly when applied topically to the skin. Research suggests that palmarosa may offer promising benefits in this regard.
How to Grow Citronella
Citronella grass is surprisingly low-maintenance, thriving well as both an annual and perennial option for gardeners in warmer climates. For a hassle-free experience, you can choose to plant citronella through transplantation, root division, or seed starting. While seeds can be temperamental, transplanting or dividing roots provides a more straightforward approach.
Water and Sunlight Needs
While citronella grass thrives in zones 9 through 12, it’s not particularly fond of harsh winter conditions. For gardeners in zones 3-8, growing it as an annual is a great option. This adaptable plant can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions, but ideally excels with six hours of direct morning sun and afternoon shade. A loamy soil pH of 6.5 provides the perfect environment, and incorporating plenty of organic matter before planting will give your citronella grass the best chance to succeed.
It’s also essential to provide this plant with ample water and nutrients, but be mindful of wet roots by ensuring the soil drains well. If you live in a region prone to excessive moisture, consider planting on a ridge where natural drainage is more likely to occur.
When to Plant
When it’s time to bring your plant game outside, wait until spring arrives and the threat of frost has passed. The soil should have reached a comfortable temperature as well. Alternatively, you can cultivate citronella indoors year-round by potting it up. Just make sure the conditions are suitable for optimal growth.
Container Planting
When cultivating citronella, containers prove to be an ideal choice. This flexibility allows for effortless relocation of the plant according to changing seasons and sun patterns, making it perfect for those living in areas with varying climates. The plant’s potential height of 6 feet, depending on the specific variety, can be effectively managed by using a container that contains its growth. Simply prune the citronella grass to your desired size and shape.
For optimal growing conditions, use a well-draining potting mix and a container with a minimum diameter of 12 inches. To promote healthy growth, provide regular monthly feedings of balanced liquid fertilizer and ensure the soil remains consistently moist.
Planting Seed
Securing citronella grass seeds can be a challenge when sourcing locally. As such, online shopping may be the most effective way to obtain these seeds. If you’re fortunate enough to secure some, start by planting them in small pots filled with seed-raising mix and maintain a consistent temperature of approximately 64°F using a heat mat if necessary. To ensure optimal germination, keep the soil consistently moist throughout the process.
Once your plants have reached at least three inches in height and are fully established, you can transfer them to their permanent location within your garden or designated container.
Propagating From Division
As the late fall season approaches, it’s essential to prepare your citronella plant for the winter months by performing a simple yet crucial task: dividing and replanting. Start by carefully excavating the soil around the base of the plant, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. Gently tease out the dirt from around the root system until you can lift the entire plant out of its bed.
Once freed, cut the roots into manageable sections, then pot each division up in a fresh location within your garden or a container. This process will help revitalize the plant’s growth and ensure it thrives come springtime.
Planting Transplants
When cultivating citronella grass, it’s essential to provide them with ample space to thrive. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, so make sure to allocate a substantial area in your garden. Prior to planting or transplanting, incorporate an abundance of organic matter into the soil and mix in a well-rounded fertilizer. This will give your citronella grass a strong foundation for growth. When transplanting, dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root system of the plant.
Gently place the plant within the hole and fill the surrounding area with a consistent layer of soil. Press the soil firmly around the roots to ensure they’re securely anchored in place. Finally, water your citronella grass thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture levels for the first few months to help it establish itself effectively.
Spacing
When planting citronella grass, be sure to provide sufficient space between each individual by spacing them 24 inches apart. Although citronella is not typically considered invasive since it doesn’t propagate via runners like some other grasses do, it still has a tendency to spread out and can potentially overshadow or crowd out neighboring plants if left unchecked.
Caring for Citronella Grass
Once established, citronella plants are relatively easy-going. While they do require regular feeding and watering, as well as some pruning to maintain their shape, these needs are relatively straightforward. One key aspect of citronella care is providing the right nutrients – aim for an all-purpose fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, applying it at the start of spring for established plants.
Watering is also crucial, with well-draining soil being essential; allow the top inch of soil to dry out before adding more moisture. In terms of pruning, citronella plants tend to get quite bushy and will benefit from removing yellowed leaves as they die off, allowing the plant to focus energy on its remaining foliage – a process similar to deadheading flowers. However, if you prefer to keep your plant compact, regular trimming can help achieve this goal.
Companion Planting for Citronella Grass
When cultivating citronella plants, consider pairing them with a selection of herbs and small flowering plants that complement their growth and benefits. Some excellent choices include lavender, marigold, catnip, lemon balm, bee balm, thyme, rosemary, zinnia, shrub rose, hibiscus, and vinca. These plants not only add visual interest to your garden but also offer potential synergies that can enhance the overall health and resilience of your citronella plants.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid planting citronella alongside rue, as this combination may not be ideal for optimal growth.
Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Citronella Grass
Despite its reputation for providing numerous benefits when used in various applications, including aromatherapy and insect repellency, the citronella plant is not immune to pests and diseases. In fact, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues that can affect this popular ornamental.
Leaf Blight
Citronella grass is prone to leaf blight, which can rapidly spread from lower to upper leaves in humid environments. As the disease progresses, it causes foliage death and ultimately stunts the plant’s growth, rendering it unhealthy. To combat this issue, many options exist, including antifungal sprays. In my experience, organic neem oil is an effective and environmentally friendly solution. For optimal results, spray the neem oil every four weeks for a duration of three consecutive days.
Anthracnose
When citronella grass is exposed to prolonged rain and humid conditions, dark lesions often appear on young leaves. This can lead to partial leaf death, ultimately stunting the plant’s growth. In extreme cases, all leaves may become infected, putting the entire plant at risk of mortality.
To mitigate this issue, ensure adequate airflow between plants and provide a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Additionally, regular garden maintenance in the fall is crucial to prevent the disease from spreading.
For areas where this disease is prevalent, consider applying a copper-based fungicide spray as new leaves emerge. This proactive approach can help prevent infection and promote overall plant health.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are stealthy invaders of plant life, hiding on undersides and injecting tiny holes into leaves to feed. Their presence is often marked by intricate webs rather than the mites themselves, due to their minuscule size. When their numbers swell, spider mites can be devastatingly deadly to a plant’s health. For less severe infestations, a gentle shower of water on citronella grass leaves may be enough to dislodge these unwanted guests.
Repeat this daily for a week, and consider trimming away any severely affected foliage. However, if the problem persists or you’re struggling with mite management, it’s wise to employ targeted control methods. A sulfur-based spray applied in winter can be effective, while neem oil treatments throughout spring, summer, and fall can help mitigate the issue. It’s essential to remember that chemical interventions can have unintended consequences, such as harming beneficial insects in your garden.
Harvesting Citronella
Citronella plants serve a dual purpose for me – they’re a decorative addition to my space, but I also reap the benefits of harvesting their oil-producing leaves up to three times a year. As an herbalist, this is a dream come true! The extracted oil can be used in various preparations, boasting impressive properties such as antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
After a full 7-8 months have passed since the plant’s initial growth spurt, you can carefully prune the leaves by cutting them at the base. If desired, another harvest is possible just three to four months later.
Make Your Own Citronella Essential Oil
To craft your own citronella essential oil at home, start by harvesting the leaves and drying them thoroughly using a dehydrator or leaving them in a sunny spot with adequate air circulation. This step is crucial to preserving the quality of the final product. Once the leaves are completely dry, measure out four ounces by weight and transfer them to a clean glass jar. Next, pour enough isopropyl alcohol over the leaves to cover them completely.
Allow this mixture to steep for three days before straining it and setting aside the resulting liquid. The process is remarkably straightforward. It’s important to note that citronella essential oil should not be consumed internally. If you’re interested in cultivating citronella grass, consider growing lemongrass as well – both plants have similar growth habits and requirements.
