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 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

01 Jul 16, Mr. Loofah (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate): You lose an average of 3.3 degrees fahrenheit for every 1000 feet of elevation.
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07 Aug 15, Tek Chhetri (USA - Zone 6b climate): can i grow luffa in august?
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25 Apr 15, michelle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Where can I get luffa seeds in south africa?
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30 Dec 14, (Australia - arid climate): I got some on Ebay
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26 Dec 14, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate): I live on the coast in Melbourne Victoria. Would love to buy some Luffa seeds or plant. Could any one help me as to where? ......Thank you very much....
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28 Jul 15, Sally-Anne Pucek (Australia - temperate climate): Diggers sell Loofah seeds
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03 Jan 15, Jessica Reid (Australia - temperate climate): Hi Bridget, I just bought some on Ebay..there are lots of people selling them in Australia, just filter your search results to suppliers within Australia :-) Jessica
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30 Dec 14, Lynette (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Dear Bridget, You can buy Luffa seed from Green Harvest. Lynette
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11 Nov 14, Ralph T (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Where can i buy loofa seed or plants
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06 Oct 14, Tammy (USA - Zone 5a climate): I grew loofhas this year and has success. But my question is...I have some very large loofahs that seem to just get bigger and then I have some that (to me) are small and are turning yellow. I can't find a good answer as to know when to pick them. Any advise? I can't let them dry on vine because it's getting down in the mid 30's already
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You could, with two caveats: they take forever to mature (like 200+ days), and they take a lot of space (like 6-9 meters). So I think it's too late for you to grow them outside this year, but you could still grow them in a LARGE greenhouse...they set fruit during short days so time your lighting accordingly. Your best bet is probably to start them indoors in peat-type pots in late winter for next year.

- colleen

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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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