Plant citronella in spring once all chances of frost have passed and the soil is warm. A good rule of thumb is to plant the same time you plant tomatoes. Space citronella 18 to 24 inches apart in an area that receives partial shade and has fertile, well-drained soil.

Do any plants actually repel mosquitoes?

There is truly no such thing as a mosquito repellant plant. Rather the extract from these plants can act as a short-term mosquito repellant, if mixed with carrier oils. The same methodology can be applied within the yard to reduce your mosquitoes, but only if done in conjunction with water management.

Does a citronella plant spread?

Citronella plants summered outside grow rapidly, creating a lush plant within a few weeks. These heavy feeders require frequent watering to keep up with the rapid growth, but are likely to reach a height of 2 feet and spread to nearly that width during the summer.

Are citronella plants easy to take care of?

Growing and caring for mosquito plants is easy. And even though it may not be an actual mosquito repellent plant, it makes an ideal plant both indoors and out. … These plants prefer at least six hours of sunlight every day whether it is planted outside or indoors near a window but can also tolerate some partial shade.

Does citronella come back every year?

Citronella Grass It is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. In other areas, it is grown as an annual because it dies back during winter. Citronella grass grows best in full sun and is propagated by clump division.

Can you plant citronella in the ground?

Citronella is a perennial ‘clumping’ grass which grows to a height of 5 – 6 feet. It can be grown directly in the ground in climate zones where frost does not occur. … True citronella is safe when crushed and applied to the skin, but it is most effective when applied as an oil.

Do citronella plants keep bugs away?

In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests.

Do citronella plants repel cats?

Also referred to as the mosquito plant as it helps keep mosquitoes at bay, Citronella also works to help repel cats. Citronella is a geranium that emits a pleasant citrus-like scent that humans enjoy, but cats, mosquitoes, and other insects do not.

What can I plant with citronella?

4. Citronella makes a great companion plant. If you like to grow tomatoes, citronella makes a great companion plant. When planted near tomato plants, citronella can help keep destructive pests away from the foliage as well as protect you from mosquitoes while you garden.

Can citronella survive winter?

These plants are sensitive to cold and will die if they are exposed to frost. In warm climates where frost does not occur, citronella plants can remain outdoor year-round. In colder regions, plants may be moved inside for the winter until warmer temperatures return.

Article first time published on

How big do citronella plants get?

Citronella grass can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide and should be spaced accordingly. Plant citronella glass in filtered sunlight. In warm climates, plant citronella grass in loamy soil in an area that receives filtered sunlight.

Is citronella plant toxic to dogs?

Citronella is toxic to pets Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don’t have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

Is citronella really repel mosquitoes?

Do citronella candles work? Citronella is naturally occurring oil that repels insects. … “Citronella oil is repellent to mosquitoes to a degree, but the amount being put out by a candle isn’t going to be very effective,” Eric Hoffer, president of Hoffer Pest, told TODAY Home.

Is citronella the same as lemongrass?

Both, citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) & lemon grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) are cousins in nature. They look similar and grow the same way, and are processed in the same manner too. But, scientists say, Citronella is not for consumption while lemon grass is known as a herbal tea drink.

How do I make my citronella plant bushy?

Keeping the foliage looking healthy and tidy with regular pruning can help with this. Citronella plants can reach 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1 meter) in height. You can pinch back citronella to form a more compact, bushy plant. The lacey, fragrant leaves also work well in summer floral bouquets so feel free to prune often.

Can citronella grow in shade?

Check out citronella as a plant that repels mosquitoes. Citronella is known as the mosquito plant because the citronella scent is infused into many candles and sprays. … This plant loves a little afternoon shade and rich, moist soil.

Can you replant citronella plants?

In warm zones 10 and 11, replant the citronella plants 3 feet apart in the garden immediately after dividing.

Is Lemongrass better than citronella?

Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos. However, Lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is superior. … The oil from lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is used to create the perfumed oil which repels mosquitos.

What can you do with citronella leaves?

• as an insect repellent.
• as an antifungal agent.
• to treat parasitic infections.
• to promote wound healing.
• to lift mood or fight fatigue.
• in perfumes or as a flavor additive in food.

Do lavender plants really repel mosquitoes?

Taken together, lavender oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellants, especially when used as part of a larger natural repellant regimen. … Also, out of the many natural mosquito-repelling options derived from flowering plants, lavender is certainly one of the most beloved for its visual appeal.

How do you winterize citronella plants?

If left outside after temperatures dip below 32 degrees F, the plant will die. Place the citronella geranium in a pot with some commercial potting soil if it is currently in the ground. Trim the geranium even across the top, removing approximately one-third of its height.

What bugs does citronella plant repel?

Citrosa geraniums (citronella plant) produces a citrus scent that mimics citronella smells. The strong smell the geranium sets off is what repels the mosquito. Lavender will keep moths, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies away. These insects can’t stand the sweet scent that emits from the plant.

Can I plant citronella with lavender?

You can plant citronella grass right into your garden, and optimize its efficiency by planting it near other repelling plants, like lavender. Citronella thrives in a variety of climates and soils, so it’s also one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain.

Will cayenne pepper hurt plants?

Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper won’t hurt your plants but it will keep many small animals away. Every few days, sprinkle about ¼ cup of cayenne pepper throughout your garden. … Try planting them all along the border of your garden as a type of “no trespassing” barricade for bugs and creatures.

Does lavender plants keep cats away?

Lavender (Lavandula) Luckily, lavender plants come with a scent that’s nice for us but unappealing for felines. These purple flowers are evergreen, so they act as a year round deterrent. Choose the tall varieties and plant them at the front of your borders as cats won’t jump over if they can’t see where they’ll land.

Is lavender toxic to cats?

Fresh lavender is not toxic to felines, only the essential oils derived from the plants are.

How do you care for a potted citronella plant?

Just water them deeply when the soil dries. They do well in full or part sun. Indoor Mosquito plants should be kept near a sunny window, preferably a south or west facing window. When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly.

Why is my citronella plant leaves turning yellow?

Let the soil dry out between watering sessions so the soil does not become water logged. These plants do not tolerate overwatering. Too much water and the leaves begin to turn yellow before dropping off the stems. If unsure whether or not the mosquito plant needs water, then do not water.

How often do you water a citronella plant?

Citronella grass thrives in bright, filtered sunlight and needs moist, loamy soil. Citronella grass is very thirsty, so you may need to water as often as once a day.

How do you prune citronella plants?

Citronella Plant Pruning Prune your citronella plant at any time during the growing season. Start by removing any dead or spent blooms. Simply pinch them off below the blossom with your forefinger and thumb. This process, known as deadheading, will help promote the growth of new flowers.

Can dogs smell citronella?

While citronella naturally deters cats, it doesn’t seem to always have the same effect on dogs. Dogs don’t seem particularly attracted to it either, but it does smell lemony. So if you have a curious dog, be sure to keep these products out of reach.