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              
          T            
          P            

(Best months for growing Luffa in USA - Zone 5a 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 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 30 inches 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

Your comments and tips

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29 Dec 15, Jessica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My luffa plant grow really tall and healthy but I didn't see any fruit yet? Could you pls tell me which month they will start fruiting??? Thanx
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02 Sep 17, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, loofah take a while to fruit. I'm planting seedlings now and would expect results in January/February.
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31 Aug 15, Francois (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get loofa seed?
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22 Aug 15, Linda Joy Smith (USA - Zone 8b climate)
If I plant a seed, preferably 2 and put it out doors in June, will it have enough time to produce a vegetable by the first frost in November? It is August and I just got my first vegetable to start to grow. It took along time for nature to do the cross pollination. Thank you, Linda from Virginia Beeach
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11 Nov 15, Donna (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I'm in Port Angeles at 1,000 ft. I planted two Luffas (seed) in May. Only 1 produced fruit, and it only got about 7-8" long (3" in diameter). Are there any charts for altitude?
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01 Jul 16, Mr. Loofah (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
You lose an average of 3.3 degrees fahrenheit for every 1000 feet of elevation.
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07 Aug 15, Tek Chhetri (USA - Zone 6b climate)
can i grow luffa in august?
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25 Apr 15, michelle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get luffa seeds in south africa?
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30 Dec 14, (Australia - arid climate)
I got some on Ebay
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26 Dec 14, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on the coast in Melbourne Victoria. Would love to buy some Luffa seeds or plant. Could any one help me as to where? ......Thank you very much....
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The best way to find where to buy something is to google it - buy luffa seeds inNZ -

- Mike

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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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