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 S S S
T               T T T T
P               P P P P

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - sub-tropical 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
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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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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