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

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17 Feb 11, Cyrus (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I have been growing luffah for a few years now, and each season it doesn't fruit until the beginning of the fall and the last couple years I have lost all the fruit to the early freezes!
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06 Apr 12, Pam (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Perhaps you could use a row cover. These work great to protect plants from frosts & insects.
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16 Feb 11, (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Bella, I see you have Loofa seeds are you willing to sell me some? Please let me know many Thanks Louise
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03 Jan 11, bella (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have some seeds if you would like them?
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02 Aug 11, William Stanley (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Bella If you have some spare Luffa seeds I would love to grow some as I love new and exciting projects in the garden If you can send me some I will send you some .60cent stamps as payment. [email protected] Cheers William.
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24 Feb 11, Louise (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Bella I am very interested in buying Loofa seeds from you are you able to sell me some? Kind regrds Louise
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09 Feb 11, Jenny Nye (Australia - tropical climate)
I'd love some seeds if you still have some available. How much do you want for them? Many thanks!!
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29 Jan 11, Huan (Australia - temperate climate)
yes please, 2/1 Woods Ave, Mordialloc, VIC 3195 Many thanks!
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02 Jan 11, Huan (Australia - temperate climate)
I know it has been a while you said you had some Luffa seeds, if you stilll have them,would love some.thanks heaps! (address removed for security- Liz)
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29 Nov 10, kistler insurance (Australia - arid climate)
Hey Kimberley, I doubt it?!? Kind regards, Heidi
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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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