How to Grow Citronella Plant—a Low-Maintenance Perennial That Repels Mosquitoes

A nice summer night on the back patio is all fun and games until you hear that tell-tale, high-pitched buzzing in your ear or feel the familiar twinge of a mosquito bite. While there are many ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard, citronella is arguably one of the best-known methods. A type of scented geranium, citronella plants produce a strong, citrusy smell that is pleasant to us but repels bugs like mosquitoes. Better yet, growing and caring for these beneficial plants is surprisingly easy. 

"Citronella is at home in the garden, as well as containers, as long as it is getting full sun," says Nancy Trautz Awot, a horticulture specialist at Burpee Gardening. While you might have seen citronella candles, which use extracted oil from the plant, the plant itself is excellent at keeping insects at bay. You can also lightly rub the plant on your skin or crush a couple of leaves between your fingers to enjoy its repellent effects. Ahead, we spoke with experts who gave us tips on growing citronella in containers or in the ground.  

Growing Citronella Plants

You can grow citronella two ways—from seed, or by planting mature or starter plants.

Growing From Seed

You can grow citronella from seed, but many plant experts agree it's far easier to purchase a small plant in the spring or to propagate a stem cutting from an existing plant. Citronella seedlings can take a long time to sprout, are very sensitive to overwatering and a lack of light, and must be planted about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. 

If you do plant from seed, Awot recommends using a very fine seed starting mix and lightly covering the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil. Citronella benefits from bottom heat; make sure the seeds and seedlings get 16 hours of light, and be careful of overwatering. 

Mature or Starter Plants

Purchasing a starter or mature plant is the best way to introduce citronella to your home and garden. Look for a green and healthy plant, and avoid plants with discolored leaves that have brown edges, bugs, or appear thin and straggly. The stems should be firm and not limp. Awot also says to avoid a pot-bound citronella plant. "If you see a lot of roots coming out of the bottom of the pot, it is pot-bound and best to choose a different plant," she says. 

How to Transplant Citronella

Once you've picked the perfect citronella plant, transplant it to a container or your garden.

1. Choose an area that receives full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight per day, according to Lindsay Pangborn, a plant expert for Bloomscape.
2. Plant citronella in well-draining soil. Use fresh potting soil for planters or amend the native garden soil with some compost before planting in the ground.
3. If planting more than one citronella plant in the ground, space them at least 12 inches apart.

When planting in containers, choose a pot with a drainage hole and make sure the plants are at the same soil level they were in the container.

How to Care for Citronella Plants

Having the right conditions is paramount for growing healthy citronella plants.

Light

Citronella plants are light-lovers, so make sure to place them in a sunny spot. Pangborn says they should receive six hours of full sunlight per day to grow healthy and strong. 

Water

This plant is very susceptible to overwatering. As a rule, only water citronella when the soil feels about 75 percent dry. If watering a pot, pour enough water so that it trickles out of the drainage hole, then stop. "If you are using a saucer under the pot, make sure you dump out any water since citronella does not like wet feet," Awot says. 

Temperature

This sun-loving plant is particularly happy in warm weather but can handle temperatures between the high 30s and 90s (degrees Fahrenheit). Once temperatures cool, you'll either need to bring the plant inside, transplant it to a container for the winter, or allow the plant to die. It's important to plant your citronella—or bring it back outside—after all danger of frost has passed. 

Fertilizer

These mosquito-repelling plants do best when fertilized, but they don't need a ton of it. "Try to feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks," Pangborn says. Any more than this can potentially harm the plant. 

Deadheading

Citronella plants have pink flowers that should be deadheaded. When the flowers are spent, remove the stem by pinching the stem back below the flower. This encourages new blooms and keeps your plant healthy. Also, cut away any dead leaves. 

Transplanting

Transplant your citronella to a larger container once the roots reach the outside of its current pot. "Citronella plants can be transplanted to a container about 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter," says Pangborn. "After transplanting, be sure not to water the plant too frequently. It will utilize water at a slower pace for the first few weeks as it settles into its new pot." 

How to Identify and Treat Distress and Disease in Citronella Plants

Citronella is a well-behaved plant that allows for a more hands-off approach. Give it lots of sunlight and water it as needed; it'll take care of everything else. Just like any other plant, though, it's not exempt from disease and stress. Be on the lookout for the following issues.  

Root Rot, Crown Rot, and Yellow Patches

The entire geranium family, including citronella, is susceptible to root rot, crown rot, and light brown/yellow patches on the leaves (edema) caused by overwatering. Only water once the soil is 75 percent dry, make sure it's in well-draining soil, and empty the water saucer. 

Brown Leaves

If your citronella has brown leaves and/or looks weak or droopy, it may not be getting enough light. Make sure the plant gets six full hours of sun every day. 

Damping Off 

"Seedlings are susceptible to damping off, which can kill the plant," Awot says. This is caused by a fungus that thrives in damp, cold conditions and presents as drooping/flat seedlings with a brown base. To prevent the issue, don't overwater and make sure your plants aren't crowded so they can get good air circulation.