Things Needed

The lovely citronella plants are actually members of the geranium kinsperson . They ’re commonly recognized by other names , such as mosquito plant , deodorizer plant , sweet-scented geranium , and citronella geranium . The plant ’s aromatic foliation has the distinctive aroma of citronella grass when rub or crushed , although it ca n’t be used for render oil color . This tender tropical will hold wintertime outdoors in Zones 10 - 11 , but must be brought within well before the first Robert Frost in all other zones . Young citronella plants are pronto usable from nursery and are occasionally retail by section store and grocery chains , as well .

Step 1

Transplant your citronella in a effective - quality commercial message composted potting mixture . These plant life know nitrogen , so pot soil that contains completely composted constituent matter is necessary . select a 4- to 6 - in clay pot one size big than the works ’s current growing container . Clay is best because it will breathe , and help the best drainage .

Step 2

lay the citronella flora in the can so that it will remain at the same astuteness it occupied in the growing container . unbendable soil around the rootball mildly to assure the industrial plant . Water just enough to moisten the grunge , but not so much that it ’s wet or soggy . These industrial plant do not wish wet foot .

Step 3

Place the potted plant in the bright spot you may find outdoors . It will need at least 6 - 8 hour of full sun daily . Continue to water just enough to keep the citronella moist , but never wet . It will boom happily out of doors as long as rime does n’t threaten .

Step 4

grasp a hole twice the sizing of the industrial plant ’s current container in a well - drained gay locating if you want to savour your citronella as a garden specimen . check that that it will get at least 6 - 8 minute of direct sun each solar day . flux 3 part garden soil with 1 part high - quality organic compost for backfilling the hole .

Step 5

place the citronella so that it will be at the same depth that it engage in its current container . Backfill with the soil - compost commixture , gently firming the medium around the plant ’s rootball .

Step 6

piddle thoroughly to moisten the soil evenly . Do not flood the citronella .

Step 7

take potted citronella plants indoors before the first frost is predicted . Dig up garden specimens and pot in appropriately sized stiff containers . grade citronellas in the quick , brightest berth that you could provide with as much sunlight as possible . H2O less often , as pot ground should be kept just hardly dampish during the wintertime months .

References

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