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 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

02 Oct 24, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try Kings seeds and plant Barn
03 Sep 24, Jim Wolff (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I love to eat the young fruit when they are about 1" to 1.5" in diameter. But after that, let them grow until they turn completely brown on the vine. Then pick the brown (dried) fruit and soak in water a couple of minutes. The skin will peel off very easily after it has been soaked. If you do not soak them first, the skin will be more difficult to get off.
17 Aug 24, Rebecca (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Im in 7a & planted luffa in mid-April. They look great & are all over the trellis. Lots of clusters of male & female flowers. Zero established gourds yet & it's mid-August. I planted w/ the expectation of a harvest around late September mid-October. Should I be concerned by the lack of gourds at this point? It is the only thing i planted & i have a lot of time in on them. Everything looks totally healthy (this is in an organic community garden) but i'm feeling worried that this is going to end up being a race against the weather and i wont have any gourds at all? Any input, guidance, or thoughts are welcome!
28 Feb 24, Hannie Jackson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Morning, where can I get some lufa seeds, ? I hope you can assist me. Thanks.
01 Aug 24, Mia van Biljon (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I buy mine on Seeds for Africa (online shop). They are currently out of stock but will come back in stock late September or early October, just in time to sow them (I asked the staff, as I'm looking to buy some too). Just be careful to not sow them too late (buy as soon as they come in stock). To avoid delivery fee, you can collect the seeds at their shop. The seeds are also available on Seeds and Plants South Africa (online shop), but the delivery fee is quite high on that website. Hope this helps.
06 Sep 24, Paul (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have a box of loofah seeds. I'm happy to swap some seeds. Or happy to give some. 0823419744
12 Jan 24, Vanessa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Free organic spare seeds to an Australian address? Vanessa
11 Jan 24, Carol (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi there..I live on the Garden Route, Western Cape. When can I plant Loofa's..?
10 Nov 23, Rosalind gayles (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I'm in charlotte nc....when is best time to start loofah seeds?
25 Nov 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
April May if you live Zone 8a. Go to luffa page set climate to 8b and it will tell you when to plant.
Showing 1 - 10 of 194 comments

Let the fruit dry right out then collect the seeds.

- anon

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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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