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There are an calculate 100 trillion mosquito worldwide , meaning there are over 100 trillion just reasons to grow citronella in your garden . This lemon - scented plant , most get it on forrepelling mosquitos , come in in two miscellanea : citronella grass ( Cymbopogon nardus ) and citronella geranium ( Pelargonium’Citronella ' ) .
Although snub pesky mosquitos may be reason enough for most gardeners to start a crop of citronella , there are other wondrous reason for keeping this plant in your garden . From its optic appeal to its use in homeopathic medicine , citronella is more than just a fragrantbug repellant .
The Two Types of Citronella
Before planting , you must decidewhich character of citronellato plant . This will depend on how much blank space you have and why you plan to expend it .
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is native to an area ranging from South Sudan to Southeast Asia , and as such , it will flourish in a lovesome , dry environment . In colder regions , it grows as an annual . Citronella pasturage grows 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide , so gardeners concerned in planting this should ascertain it has enough blank space to spread out .
As a mosquito repellant , citronella grass is less effective in the garden as the oil must be extracted before use .
Citronella Geranium
The second option is citronella geranium . More in effect for smaller spaces , the geranium adaptation can grow about 3 substructure tall and 18 to 24 inches full . It also does well in spicy , dry locating and grows well in the flat coat and raft . The citronella geranium has lacy immature leaves and produces pinkish and purple flowers .
This alternative is good for repelling mosquitos , as even a docile brush of the leaf will eject a biting lemon scent .
So , what are the benefits of originate either of these plants ?
Citronella Repels More Than Just Mosquitos
First and foremost, citronella is known forkeeping mosquitos away. There is some debate over how effective citronella is at repelling mosquitos, but those in search of an all-natural bug repellant can turn to citronella — as long as you know how to properly use it.
Citronella does not kill mosquitos ; it plainly block out the human perfume of carbon copy dioxide , lactic dose , and sweat that mosquitos are face for when they come buzz .
However , just having a flora in the ground wo n’t keep the bugs at true laurel . Gardeners who plant citronella grass must extract the oil before it is utilitarian , and those with citronella geranium must disrupt the leaves to unfreeze those essential oil color into the air , or vanquish them and rub the rock oil instantly on your skin . This create a instinctive roadblock , masking you fromhungry mosquito .
Some may have a skin sensitiveness to citronella . Test a small amount on one section of your pelt for a few 24-hour interval . If you notice any allergic reaction , discontinue use .
Other Pests
Citronella also keeps stink bugs , chocolate-brown planthoppers , grasshoppers , and aphid out of your garden . commingle two part citronella excerption ( or fossil oil ) and one part water , and spray that over your garden a few days after constitute .
Citronella oil also deters larger pests , like groundhog and ferine cats .
Citronella Is Good for Your Garden
Another great intellect to have citronella in your garden is that it looks and smells lovely ! The marvellous citronella grasses provide privacy , and the geraniums develop small , delicious pink and purple flowers . It grows well in pots or even mixed in with herb garden . Plant citronella geraniums in a pot with well - debilitate soil , at least 12 inches extensive and 12 inches deep .
Both plant life fly high with at least six hour of sun but appreciate some specter in the hot part of the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . Too much sunlight exposure can combust citronella grass .
irrigate the forage when the top level of soil is dry and crumbly ; depending on conditions , it may need everyday watering . yellowish blades are a mansion that your Gunter Grass is not commence enough pee .
Geraniums take unconstipated watering until they are in full grown , at which time they will be very drought - tolerant . Water when the top inch of land is dry .
Benefits of Having Citronella in Your Garden
Placing the geranium near border or in place that are more likely to be brushed by passersby will assist the scent naturally unfold . And while the smell may be unbearable to mosquito , many gardeners relish the intense , lemony aroma that it gives off .
Spraying citronella as a mosquito repellant wo n’t vote down or deter helpful pollinator like bees and butterfly , encourage a healthier garden . However , the leafage of more tender yield and vegetable plants may burn when exposed to citronella oil color . nurseryman using citronella as an insect powder should do so early in the morning or late in the even to nullify damaging these plant .
Both citronella pasturage and geranium contain oils and tannic Elvis that are toxic to dogs . Keep out of reach of pet , and call your veterinarian now if you see signs of poisoning .
Make Your Own Citronella Essential Oil
Since citronella pot does n’t do much to deter mosquito on its own , gardener must know how to harvest the oil from this works to mix their own indispensable oils . Cymbopogon nardusproduces Ceylon citronella oil . This inwardness has a affectionate scent with hints of citrous fruit and woodwind instrument . It is pallid to dark yellow colored , and the main constituent of Ceylon citronella rock oil are geraniol , citronellal , and citronellol .
To make your own essential oils from citronella grass , you will need :
To make the oil :
Citronella oil has many US , from repulse mosquitos to curing ailments andhelping you experience near .
Homeopathic Uses for Citronella
Citronella oil include the compound methyl isoeugenol , which has antibacterial properties . This make water it helpful for foreclose the growth of bacteria and fungi . This can be helpful with various snub and scrapes , as well as keep infections .
Researchers from the Smithsonian Institute write that citronella grass has been used as a medicative plant in parts of Guyana , Surinam , and Gallic Guiana . When made into tea , it was used to treat colds and gastrointestinal issue . Always consult your physician before using all-important oils for wellness welfare .
As an aromatherapeutic , citronella has a bright aroma that raise the intent and can even help oneself further your mood . It blends well with other all-important oils , particularly lemon , bergamot , cedar wood , or eucalyptus .
Do not practice pure citronella oil on your cutis , which can induce provocation . commingle it with a carrier oil like Olea europaea or coconut , or invest a few drops in a diffuser .
In With the Citronella, Out With the Mosquitos
Citronella is well deserving a spot in your garden , whether you are plant it for its beautiful flowers and aromatic leafage , as a natural insect repellant , or to harvest your own essential crude . Choosing citronella grass or geranium will depend on how you hope to use it . Crushing the leaf to free that citrusy scent is a great mode to keep buzzing insects away while cooking down the pot , and bottle essential oil can have many wellness welfare !
What are your favourite manipulation for citronella ? commentary below and share with a fellow mosquito - hater .
