Cymbopogon nardus,often better known as citronella grass or Ceylon citronella, is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves aromatic ornamental plants. The long, elegantly arching blades release an incredibly intense, refreshing citrus scent at the slightest touch or on warm summer evenings. This delightful fragrance is not only a pleasure for us, but also has the wonderful side effect of naturally keeping pesky mosquitoes and insects away from the seating area. An easy-care and fast-growing structural plant that looks fantastic in large pots on the patio or balcony.
Package contents 20 seeds each
Sowing at a glance
| Feature |
Note |
| Pre-cultivation (indoors) |
February to May |
| Sowing depth |
Light germinator! Only sprinkle the seeds on the moist substrate and press down lightly |
| Germination temperature |
20 to 25 degrees Celsius (constant warmth is important) |
| Germination period |
14 to 28 days |
| Planting out |
After the Ice Saints in mid-May |
Growth form, location and care
Citronella grass grows as a clumping, dense ornamental grass and can reach impressive heights of 100 to 150 centimeters in a single season. It loves a full-sun, warm and sheltered location. It has relatively low soil requirements, as long as it is humus-rich and well-draining. For growing in a pot, I like to mix structuring pumice or lava gravel into my potting soil to ensure optimal drainage, because the grass does not tolerate waterlogging. On hot summer days, the plant has a fairly high water requirement and should be watered regularly, but without standing water in the saucer, to keep the roots moist.
Winter hardiness and overwintering
Since citronella grass comes from the tropical regions of Asia, it is not hardy in our climate. However, it can be easily grown as a perennial. Before the first night frosts, I bring the pot indoors. The long blades can be trimmed slightly at this time. The plant overwinter best in a bright place at around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. During this dormant phase, it should only be watered very sparingly, just enough so that the root ball does not dry out completely.
Uses
In addition to its function as a natural mosquito repellent around the seating area, the plant's essential oils are used worldwide to make citronella candles and natural cosmetic fragrance oils. Important to know: Unlike its related true lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Cymbopogon nardus is not used for cooking due to its extremely high essential oil content and slightly soapy taste.
Origin and taxonomy
Botanically, Cymbopogon nardus belongs to the large grass family (Poaceae). This tropical grass is originally native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Sri Lanka. There, it grows preferentially in warm, moist, sunny areas, which also explains its preference for warm locations and plenty of water during the Central European summer months.