🌿 Citronella Seedling (Cymbopogon nardus / Cymbopogon winterianus)
Here’s a quick guide to help you understand and grow citronella seedlings — a popular plant known for its mosquito-repelling properties.
🌱 What is Citronella?
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Type: Perennial grass
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Common Use: Natural mosquito repellent, essential oils, soaps, and candles
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Aroma: Strong lemony scent
🌿 Citronella Seedling Characteristics:
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Appearance: Slender green blades with a sweet lemon fragrance
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Height at seedling stage: 4–8 inches
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Root system: Fibrous and strong
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Growth rate: Fast-growing under the right conditions
✅ Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Climate | Warm, tropical or subtropical |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6–8 hours daily) |
| Soil | Well-drained, loamy soil |
| Watering | Moderate; do not let soil dry out |
| Spacing | 1–2 meters apart for proper airflow |
🌱 How to Plant a Citronella Seedling:
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Choose a sunny location.
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Dig a hole about twice the size of the seedling’s root ball.
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Place the seedling and gently cover with soil.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
🌾 Care and Maintenance:
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Water regularly, especially in dry conditions.
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Apply compost or organic manure every 2 months.
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Trim leaves occasionally to encourage bushy growth.
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Watch out for pests like aphids and fungal rot — keep the base clean and dry.
🌼 Harvesting:
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Begin harvesting leaves for oil or use after 4–6 months.
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Can be harvested every 2–3 months thereafter.
