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Planting lemongrass in pots or along a patio will not keep mosquitoes out of your yard. The plant does not release enough repellent compounds to protect the surrounding area. For fewer mosquitoes around the property, remove standing water; for personal bite prevention, use an EPA-registered repellent according to its label.
Does planting lemongrass repel mosquitoes?
No. A lemongrass border or potted plant is not a mosquito-control barrier. Iowa State University Extension puts it plainly: “In short, using plants placed in the landscape as mosquito repellents does not work.” Iowa State University Extension’s explanation and UF/IFAS guidance both distinguish planted greenery from products formulated to repel mosquitoes.
What about crushing lemongrass leaves?
Crushing leaves releases aromatic oils, which is different from simply growing the plant nearby. Iowa State University Extension says rubbing crushed leaves on skin may offer some benefit, but at a fraction of the rate of products developed and used as repellents. That limited observation does not establish a reliable method, protection duration, or yard-wide effect, so do not treat raw leaves as a substitute for a labeled repellent.
How to prevent bites while you are outside
For personal protection, CDC recommends proven EPA-registered insect repellents. Its listed active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, and 2-undecanone. Choose a product with a protection time suited to your activity and follow its label; CDC’s bite-prevention guidance and EPA’s repellent selection guidance explain the basics.
#1 Best Overall
- Two (2) large live plants – big, healthy, ready to grow, premium lemongrass plants, 4” to 8” tall plants, in 4” pots. NON GMO No Neonicotinoids
- Lemongrass plants (cymbopogon citratus) provide a buzz free living in your yard, patio and any outdoor gathering spaces. 10x Root Development means these plants grow stronger right from the start
- Lemongrass plants are edible and can be used as spice in savory dishes, teas, desserts, Lemongrass is a key ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine
- Grown in the Midwest. Plant in any US Zone. Treat as a tender annual in Zones 9 and colder. They require little tending and grow to 3-4 feet high if the season allows
- Careful Packaging. Your fresh plants arrive quickly in our exclusive, eco-friendly, 100% recyclable box. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Includes our Clovers Garden copyrighted Quick Start Planting Guide
EPA registration reflects technical information submitted about effectiveness, but protection can vary with activity, perspiration, water exposure, temperature, and how attractive a person is to insects. EPA’s selection page notes that its product database was last updated in June 2019; it is not a live inventory, and availability varies. Check the current product label and registration information for the product you intend to use.
Use repellents safely, especially around children
- Apply products according to the label.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD on children younger than 3 years.
- Do not apply repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin. An adult should put the product on their own hands before applying it to a child’s face.
Lemongrass, citronella grass, citronella oil, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and PMD are not interchangeable terms. In particular, CDC says pure, unformulated oil of lemon eucalyptus has not undergone validated safety and efficacy testing and is not EPA-registered as an insect repellent. This is not a specific test of lemongrass; it is a reminder that a plant-derived ingredient is not automatically proven safe or effective. CDC’s guidance covers registered repellents and child precautions, while its repellent information addresses OLE.
Rank #2
- Beautiful - Individual packets of herbs and flowers including Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Crackerjack Marigold (Tagetes erecta), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), and Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). These varieties look stunning while protecting the garden!
- Useful - Varieties that can be used as companion plants in the garden or planted in pots on your deck or porch to deter pesky insects and pests.
- Natural Solution - An organic and natural way to protect your garden and outdoor living area from mosquitoes, flies, ticks, aphids, and more!
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
How to reduce mosquitoes around the yard
Personal repellents protect the person using them; they do not eliminate breeding sites or clear a yard. UF/IFAS recommends getting rid of standing water to lower mosquito levels around a home. Check outdoor containers and other places where water can collect, and empty or manage them where possible.
Citronella candles and allethrin coils are outdoor options, but UC IPM says they work best where air movement is relatively low. They should not be treated as a dependable substitute for removing breeding opportunities or applying a personal repellent. See UC IPM’s mosquito guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium Quality Hydroponically Grown Plants: Enjoy 12 inches of premium quality fast-growing lemongrass plants that are ready to plant, hydroponically cultivated for peak performance for outdoor or indoor use
- Natural Mosquito Repellent: Our lemon grass serves as an effective natural mosquito repellent, creating a comfortable insect free outdoor living space without the use of chemicals
- Essential Oil Extraction: Premium quality lemongrass essential oil can be extracted from these hydroponically grown lemon grass live plants for aromatherapy or use as a bug repellent
- Culinary Applications: Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavor with your homemade lemongrass tea or infuse Asian inspired dishes with organically grown stalks elevating your culinary creations
- Low-Maintenance Growth: These lemongrass plants are low-maintenance and thrive in a variety of conditions, requiring minimal care whether planted in pots as an indoor plant or outside directly in the garden
Rank #4
- What You Will Receive – Fresh, Fast-Growing Starter Plants Includes 5 live lemongrass plants, 6–8 inches tall, shipped bare root and ready to plant.
- Grow It Anywhere – Indoors, Outdoors, or in Pots Perfect for containers, kitchen herb gardens, patios, or raised beds. Lemongrass thrives both inside with strong light or outdoors in full sun—ideal for small spaces or sprawling yards.
- More Than Just a Pretty Plant – It Works for You Use stalks for cooking Thai dishes and herbal teas, or let it naturally deter mosquitoes on your porch. It’s beautiful, functional, and makes your space smell incredible.
- Vibrant Look, Citrus Aroma – A Plant That Stimulates the Senses Tall, arching blades of lush green foliage add a modern tropical flair to any garden. Crush the leaves to release a refreshing lemony fragrance.
- Low Maintenance, High Impact – Beginner-Friendly Herb Grows fast with minimal effort, resists pests, and bounces back after trimming. Tolerates drought once established and can be overwintered indoors in cooler zones.
Rank #3
- Beautiful - Large premium packet of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) seeds. Cultivate an aromatic garden that adds fresh and exotic flavors to your dishes with this popular herb! Also known for its mosquito-repelling properties, lemon grass provides a natural barrier against pests while adding lush greenery to your outdoor space. This East Indian variety can easily be grown indoors in your kitchen or outdoors in the garden. Minimum of 200mg (about 385 seeds).
- Productive - Lemon Grass germinates in 7-14 days when soil temps are 65-86°F. Plant 1/6” deep and space 8-12” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 3-5’ tall with a spread of 2’.This variety will mature in 75-100 days, plant in USDA Zones 3-13.
- Lemon Grass on Hand - Fresh, homegrown lemon grass adds a delicious aroma and zesty flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and other Asian dishes. This herb can also be used to make a refreshing herbal tea.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
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