Learning Download: How to Grow Citronella

Citronella, also known as Mosquito Plant, is used to grow along a border or to add different heights and textures in the garden. By crushing one of the plant’s leaves and rubbing it against the skin, it produces a wonderful scent that also keeps mosquitoes away.

Before Planting: Plant Citronella in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. A good rule of thumb is to plant Citronella at about the same time you plant tomatoes outside.

Planting: Citronella can be planted in the garden or in patio containers.

Watering: When watering, be sure to water around the base of the plant to prevent water damage to the foliage.

Fertilizer: Feed the plant regularly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Days to Maturity: Citronella will bloom all summer long. Note that the leaves will only ward off mosquitoes when crushed.

Harvesting: Citronella makes an excellent addition to a cut-flower bouquet as it might aid in holding the other flowers in the bouquet in place better.

Tips: Citronella likes full sun, and if it doesn’t receive enough light it will become lanky. Cut it back and move to a better area with full sun next year so that it will grow back in a better shape.