How to Repel Mosquitoes With a Citronella Plant
Tip
Lemon balm and lemon thyme are plants with more citronella -- 30 and 60 percent respectively, according to an evaluation of the mosquito plant in the July/August 1992 issue of "Organic Gardening Magazine."
Warning
Patch test your skin for any negative reaction to the citronella by rubbing a small amount on your forearm before applying the leaves to a large area of skin.
A citronella geranium, also called mosquito geranium, is a species of plant that produces the oil used in citronella products. The plant fragrance releases when you crush or rub the leaves. A citronella geranium contains less than 1 percent citronella oil. The plant may not repel enough mosquitoes to be worth planting for this sole purpose. The citronella geranium is sensitive to frost and requires protection in cold weather.
Select a planting container that is 8 to 12 inches in diameter with bottom drainage holes. Fill the container half full with a well-draining potting soil.
- A citronella geranium, also called mosquito geranium, is a species of plant that produces the oil used in citronella products.
- A citronella geranium contains less than 1 percent citronella oil.
Remove the citronella seedling from the growing container and loosen the roots. Set the root ball into the container so the top is 1 to 2 inches below the container edge. Pack soil around the root ball to hold it in place. Leave at least 1 inch between the top of the soil and the edge of the container.
Set the container on a patio or area where you want to repel mosquitoes. The plant grows best when it receives a minimum of six hours direct sunlight.
Remove leaves and crush them to release the oil and natural fragrance to repel mosquitoes. Set the leaves on a plate and stagger the leaf collections around the area to repel mosquitoes where people gather.
- Remove the citronella seedling from the growing container and loosen the roots.
- Set the root ball into the container so the top is 1 to 2 inches below the container edge.
Rub the leaves of the plant on your skin to stimulate fragrance release that repels mosquitoes. You may need to rub the leaves on your skin periodically as the fragrance diminishes.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
