Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              S S S S S
T               T T T T
P               P P P P

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 - 75 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-12 weeks. Use as a back scratcher.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • Luffa on vine

This type of squash while not strictly a vegetable can be eaten when young. They are more commonly grown to use when mature and dried.

The plants need warmth to grow successfully. Keep inside until all risk of frost is gone.

They grow on vines similar to cucumbers.

A large loofa makes a great back scratcher. Luffa can be cut into many shapes for scrubbing pads, padding, and other uses.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Luffa

The luffa flowers and fruits are soft and edible when young and are sometimes cooked and eaten like squash or okra. Loofah has been an important food source in many Asian cultures. The leaves and vines should not be eaten.

Your comments and tips

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12 Jan 24, Vanessa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Free organic spare seeds to an Australian address? Vanessa
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14 Feb 23, Sammy (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I am currently growing luffa I'm only a beginner and I haven't planned this the frosts r coming but hopefully I'll get fruits the plants seem very hardy one snapped and it recovered love them already
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29 Oct 22, Dorothy Curtain (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am in Fremantle area in WA and want to know what type of soil is best and if windy conditions are detrimental to growing loofah , and do they withstand 40dg.which can happen over summer , so for this area when is best time for planting . Thank you
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30 Oct 22, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
The planting guide is at the top of the page - pick temperate climate zone - spring -summer. Try and protect from the wind and if possible a bit of shade morning or afternoon. On a trellis if possible.
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28 Aug 22, Sena faught (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Hello, I planted my seeds indoors to sprout. Once they sprouted, I planted 6 plants in late June 2022. They took off great!! But, I’ve only one gord or lofffah that has grown to full size.. I’ve only male plants, no females… and now it’s august and I’ve still only the one gord.. did I do something wrong?? It has taken over my back yard but still no female plants
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31 Aug 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You have male and female flowers on plants, The one with the little fruit is the female. Pobably no bees. Try hand pollination.
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30 Oct 20, Amanda Fitzgerald (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Although im in sub-tropic, northern rivers NSW i still get heavy frosts, can i still grow luffas and is november too late to plant out seedlings
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02 Nov 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Although it is a summer crop, they say to plant seeds Sept onwards. Maybe best to wait until after the last frosts. If you feel your climate is more like temperate use temperate climate zone
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11 Mar 20, Karen (Australia - tropical climate)
Will these grow in Darwin .its wet season now
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12 Aug 20, Mary-Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
I’m in Palmerston & my Luffa is growing beautifully. The gourds are impressive too!
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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