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 P            

(Best months for growing Luffa in USA - Zone 7a 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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31 Dec 18, Betty (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I bought some loofah seeds on eBay and want to know if I can plant them now. From what I read it would be possible and have fruit by April. Could you please confirm Many thanks Betty
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02 Jan 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Loofah are cold and frost tender, so if you have a suitable micro-climate that will provide warm weather and enough water until April, it's worth trying.
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17 Dec 18, Jean Mutch (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Never tried lookups before. Need hints Where to get good seeds. Thanks
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17 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The best way to find where to buy something is to google it - buy luffa seeds inNZ -
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18 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Kings seeds sell a lot of seed in NZ by the look of it.
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16 Dec 18, Jill green (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where /who can i buy luffa seeds from in new zealand as i wish to try growing some in my tunnel house next season
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08 Dec 18, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Central Gippsland, is this a combatible climate for loofahs? And do they need much water? Lisa
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10 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the notes here. Warm weather- no frosts.
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07 Dec 18, Leeanne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can i purchase the seed from please
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10 Dec 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try an on-line search for either luffa or loofah : they are the same plant.
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Showing 81 - 90 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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