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

19 May 10, dixiebelle (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grew Luffa's in ACT, hoping maybe to get some loofahs from them. They took a while to really get going (after a good rain) then the vine took off, but wasn't til towards the end of Summer that any flowers finally came on. I was surprised they actually formed fruit, and thought it was too late by then anyway, but then they grew & grew, and even into Autumn, the vine & fruit were still green and growing well. I didn't do anything particular to help them grow, but perhaps will try pinching the tips to encourage more female flowers next year! I was going to leave them on the vine to dry, but a few mornings of frost put an end to that. I took off the large fruit, and the next day, the frost had killed the vine anyway. I am trying to dry the fruit out on the sunny laundry windowsill, and hope that does the trick!
24 May 10, Heather (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can anyone tell me the best time to plant Loofah seeds? I keep getting them started, forever buying seeds, they come up, healthy seedlings, I plant them out, then they die. We are 90 mins North West of Brisbane on the rim of Daguilar range.
15 Aug 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Try planting the seeds direct.
26 Sep 10, Hellen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have tried a few times to get my seedlings to not die on me until I tried growing them in Jiffy 8cm peat pots which I transplanted into a well composted place in my garden.pot and all. Tried it this way because i read somewhere that loophas hate having their roots disturbed. Sccess at last.
29 Nov 10, kistler insurance (Australia - arid climate)
Hey Kimberley, I doubt it?!? Kind regards, Heidi
02 Jan 11, Huan (Australia - temperate climate)
I know it has been a while you said you had some Luffa seeds, if you stilll have them,would love some.thanks heaps! (address removed for security- Liz)
03 Jan 11, bella (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have some seeds if you would like them?
29 Jan 11, Huan (Australia - temperate climate)
yes please, 2/1 Woods Ave, Mordialloc, VIC 3195 Many thanks!
09 Feb 11, Jenny Nye (Australia - tropical climate)
I'd love some seeds if you still have some available. How much do you want for them? Many thanks!!
24 Feb 11, Louise (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Bella I am very interested in buying Loofa seeds from you are you able to sell me some? Kind regrds Louise
Showing 21 - 30 of 194 comments

send me your address and I'll post a few for you to plant.

- Gladwin

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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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