Citronella
Seed # 21
Basic Information
- Seed Number
- 21
- Seed Name
- Citronella
- Variety
- Not recorded
- Category
- Herb
- Plant Family
- Poaceae
- Plant Type
- Citronella-type aromatic grass
- Planting Method
- Transplant
- Seed Status
- In Seed Bank
- Created
- 2026-08-14 00:50:34
- Updated
- 2026-08-19 15:35:29
Planting Information
- Start Planting Date
- Mar 10
- Last Recommended Planting Date
- Jun 1
- Plantable Months
- March, April, May, June
- Indoor Start
- Mar 10 – Mar 24
- Direct Sow
- Not Recommended
- Transplant
- May 19 – Jun 1
- Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost
- 8 weeks
- Transplant Weeks After Frost
- 2 weeks
- Germination Days
- 14–35 days
- Harvest/Maturity
- Not recorded
- Succession Planting
- Not recorded
Growing Conditions
- Ideal Soil Temperature
- 70-85°F
- Planting Depth
- 1/4 in
- Plant Spacing
- 24-36 in
- Row Spacing
- 36 in
- Thin-To Spacing
- Not recorded
- Sun Requirements
- Full sun
- Water Needs
- Keep evenly moist during active growth; do not leave waterlogged
- Soil Preference
- Fertile, well-drained soil
- Minimum Container Size
- 5-10 gal
- Plant Height
- 3-6 ft
- Perennial/Biennial Status
- Perennial
- Container Friendly
- Yes
- Trellis/Support Needed
- No
- Frost Tolerant
- No
- Heat Tolerant
- Yes
- Drought Tolerant
- No
- Pollinator Friendly
- No
- Medicinal
- No
Garden Uses
Container Medicinal PollinatorCompanion Planting
| Plant | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Basil | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Basil | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Marigold | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Marigold | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Marigold | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Marigold | Good Companion | Not recorded |
Storage
- Seed Source/Brand
- MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit
- Packet Year
- Not recorded
- Quantity Notes
- Not recorded
- Purchase Date
- Not recorded
- Expiration Year
- Not recorded
- Storage Box
- Not recorded
- Container
- Not recorded
- Envelope
- Not recorded
- Row
- Not recorded
- Slot
- Not recorded
- Storage Notes
- Not recorded
Notes
Original Planting Method: Start indoors; transplant after frost
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 25 – Jun 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Foliage all season
Container Friendly: Yes, recommended
Pollinator Friendly: Modest
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Aromatic/traditional use
Perennial?: Tender perennial; overwinter indoors
Succession / Reusable Notes: Grow in pots if you want to keep it year to year.
Zone 6B Notes: Not winter-hardy outdoors in Zone 6B.
Companion Plants: Containers, patio herbs, marigolds, basil, flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Frost, cold wet soil
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Treat as a tender perennial in Zone 6B; grow in a container and bring indoors before frost if overwintering.
Germination: Warm, humid conditions aid germination.
Harvest: Harvest aromatic leaves/stems as needed once plants are well established.
Special Care: The label 'Citronella' is botanically ambiguous. This record uses reputable seed-growing guidance for citronella/lemongrass-type Cymbopogon where applicable rather than assuming an exact cultivar.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/how-to-grow-lemongrass — 14-35 day germination, 6-8 week indoor start, sowing depth and warm humid germination for citronella-associated Cymbopogon
Research Source: NC State University BioResources — https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/comparison-of-citronella-oil-extraction-methods-from-cymbopogon-nardus-grass-by-ohmic-heated-hydro-distillation-hydro-distillation-and-steam-distillation/ — Cymbopogon nardus identity as citronella grass
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]