Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Apr	May	Jun
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

19 May 22, Adele Palmer (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): I live in Gordonsbay,Western Cape. Can I plant my seeds in trays now and transplant into the garden after winter into bigger pots
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24 May 22, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate): Maybe leave it until mid winter as you plant out seedlings when about 4 weeks old. But your soil temps maybe too cold then. Check what time of the year you should plant.
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01 Apr 22, Jurgen (New Zealand - temperate climate): Also koanga gardens sells luffa seeds
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04 Mar 22, Deleene (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I live in a very hot long summer rainfall with a short very cold (black frost at least once in winter) area. When is the best time to plant my Loofah seeds?
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21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Early spring. Do it now.
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09 Mar 22, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate): https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa It is right there in the calendar.
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14 Oct 21, Monet lovett-Darby (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate): Hi ! When is the best time to grow a luffa (Gardenate: www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=53 )
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13 Aug 21, Faye Johnson (USA - Zone 4a climate): How can I get seeds from my Lofa plant to start new ones for next year?
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29 Aug 21, anon (USA - Zone 7b climate): Let the fruit dry right out then collect the seeds.
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09 Mar 21, Vasie Naicker (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): HI there, where can one purchase loofer seeds online?
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Replying to:

I grew Luffa for the first time this year (West Sydney) planted seeds 24 Sept, planted out 8 Oct. Nothing happened until mid Feb, by which time the vines were 20 feet high, started nipping out the growing tips, and any side shoots greater than 3 feet. The vines are flowering like made (male and female). Soil preparation NIL, watered about 1-2 inches per week, mulched with grass clippings, PH is currently 6.4. The biggest Luffa is currently 13 inches long (like a huge lebanese cucumber. Hope this helps future luffa growers.

- David

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Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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