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

Your comments and tips

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28 May 19, Maruschka (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I just managed to buy some on livingseeds.co.za
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23 Mar 19, Can you ripen or dry luffah off the vine (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
At the end of last summer I had luffa's that were over a foot long but didn't know how to dry them. We were coming into frost season and I thought they would rot of the vine if not picked. Well they rotted off the vine also.
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24 Mar 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try an online search for 'drying luffa sponges'.
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12 Feb 19, Dawn (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How do I know what zone I am in? I am so new to this.
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12 Feb 19, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Go to the tab 'Climate zones' and scroll down to find your zone. Gardenate zones for USA are based on USDA Hardiness zones. Find your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone by entering your ZIP code at the USDA Plant Hardiness website.
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31 Jan 19, Yvette Cogswell (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Richters Goodwood Ontario www.richters.com They have excellent seeds and service.
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31 Jan 19, Zac Ezzy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Boondie Seeds, Armidale NSW. that's where I got mine :)
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02 Jan 19, Steve (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I buy luffa seed in New Zealand. Cheers Steve
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06 Jan 19, Marilyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Kings seeds
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02 Jan 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try a search for "luffa seeds NZ"
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Showing 71 - 80 of 189 comments
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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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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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