The plant grows easily in pots and the groundwith a bushy spread of 2 feet tall and wide.
This evergreen perennial is also known for its lemony scent.
Use nutrient-rich soil that drains well (like potting soil mixed equally with sphagnum moss and sand).
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In cooler growing zones, plant citronella in the garden when overnight temperatures hit 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Amend soil with compost or other organic material when needed.
Water
Water potted plants regularly throughout the growing season.
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Check the top inch of soil every few days and irrigate when it’s dry.
For in-ground plants, water regularly until established, then once every other week.
When mature, garden-grown citronella plants do not require much water.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Humidity levels of 40 percent or higher benefit this native to the tropics.
Fertilizer
Apply a liquidNPK 20-20-20 fertilizerto young and potted plants.
Dilute fertilizer by half strength and feed plants once every two to three weeks.
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Otherwise, mature citronella does not need much fertilizing.
Propagating Citronella
The most common way to propagate a citronella plant is by cuttings.
Tip
Citronella cuttings also root in water.
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Place it in a warm, sunny spot, and change the water weekly.
Look for roots to establish in about four weeks.
Start Seeds Outdoors
Wait until the ground has warmed.
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This will happen about two weeks after the final frost, depending on the growing zone.
Keep soil moist to aid germination.
Thin garden plants to 18 inches apart when seedlings reach about 1 inch tall.
Start Seed Indoors
Fill small 4-inch pots or a seed-starting tray with a lightly moistened potting mix.
Equal parts potting soil, sphagnum moss, and sand are a good combination.
Scatter several seeds on top of the medium and cover lightly.
Place a plastic dome or covering over the pot or tray to aid germination.
Then, set them in a warm, sunny spot and keep them moist.
The container needs to be 12 inches deep and twice the width of the rootball.
Use a light potting mix that drains easily.
Irrigate deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Feed citronella once or twice during winter with a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
They are also susceptible to root rot and crown rot.
A strong spray of water can eliminate pest problems when discovered early.
What Do Citronella Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Small flowers open in clusters with five lavender-pink petals, similar to the flowers of zonal geraniums.
A broad dark purple mark brushes the uppermost petals for a subtle but striking two-toned look.
The fragrance comes only from the foliage so the flowers are unscented.
A balanced liquid fertilizer reduced to half-strength can be applied every three weeks.
Common Problems With Citronella
Citronella-scented geraniums are sturdy plants that aren’t troubled by many problems.
However, this plant does require some maintenance to keep it tidy.
Plant or place pots where they receive adequate light.
Regularly pinch back growing tips throughout the season to encourage bushier growth.
Water deeply and consider watering more frequently.
Damping Off
Damping off is a fungus that will manifest in brown, limp seedlings.
It thrives in cold, damp soil and can kill your seedlings.
When its leaves are crushed and the essential oils are released, they can be a deterrent to mosquitos.
Citronella and lemongrass are not the same plant.
Citronella has a much more potent fragrance and is not edible in the same way lemongrass is.
Citronella,lavender,marigolds, androsemaryare some of thebest plants to repel mosquitoes.
Citronella plants can be toxic to humans, causing skin irritation, and also to cats and dogs.
It can also be prone to root rot if you overwater the plant.
However, do not rely solely on crushed citronella plant leaves to eradicate a pest problem.
Pelargonium.NC State Extension Plant Toolbox.
Scented Geranium.American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
