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 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

Your comments and tips

10 Aug 19, Charmaine (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): I have loofah seed that could easily be 40 years old I will try growing them in Gauteng in my sun room, is it possible they will grow?
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30 Jun 19, Karen Flakelar (Australia - temperate climate): Hi while all my other gourd plants have died off over winter my luffa seems to be powering on as if it prefers winter and has lots of little luffahs and flowers coming on It doesn't even appear to be affected by frost Is this normal luffa behaviour?
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11 Jun 19, Wyndi (USA - Zone 7a climate): I live in southern Idaho (zone 7) We have had an incredibly cold, wet spring. It is now mid June, would it still be possible to have success planting seeds now?
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24 Jun 19, Linda (USA - Zone 8b climate): Luffa need a very long growing season. It is said to need near 200 days. If you look for your first frost date then count back to today and see if you have enough days. Good luck!
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08 Jun 19, Linda (USA - Zone 9a climate): I have 3 Luffa plants potted , about 3” tall and healthy. They are ready to be put in ground. Now I am stuck. Full sun, part sun , keep wet, keep dry... central Florida on the river. Please help.
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24 Jun 19, Linda (USA - Zone 8b climate): I also have 3 luffa plants. First year growing in north Florida. I put one in full sun, one in part sun and one in complete shade. They are all growing at the same pace but with one exception: the one in full shade has zero luffa. The other two each have 5 very large ones.
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09 Jun 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate): Luffa belong to the curcubit family, so you can follow advice for growing zucchini or pumpkins
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26 May 19, Sue Giles (Australia - temperate climate): I got seeds from the hills seed company in Perth.
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21 May 19, Gina (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Just found this link on growing luffa for anyone interested. Cheers. https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/smooth-luffa/9426690
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08 May 19, Naasera (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): I've seen YouTube videos with 2 types of loofah. The one with ridges, and a much larger one without ridges. I live in Natal and want seeds for the much larger type. Please advise where I can get these seeds.
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I live in southern Idaho (zone 7) We have had an incredibly cold, wet spring. It is now mid June, would it still be possible to have success planting seeds now?

- Wyndi

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Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

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