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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19 May 22, Adele Palmer (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I live in Gordonsbay,Western Cape. Can I plant my seeds in trays now and transplant into the garden after winter into bigger pots
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24 May 22, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Maybe leave it until mid winter as you plant out seedlings when about 4 weeks old. But your soil temps maybe too cold then. Check what time of the year you should plant.
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01 Apr 22, Jurgen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Also koanga gardens sells luffa seeds
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04 Mar 22, Deleene (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in a very hot long summer rainfall with a short very cold (black frost at least once in winter) area. When is the best time to plant my Loofah seeds?
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21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Early spring. Do it now.
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09 Mar 22, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa It is right there in the calendar.
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14 Oct 21, Monet lovett-Darby (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hi ! When is the best time to grow a luffa (Gardenate: www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=53 )
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13 Aug 21, Faye Johnson (USA - Zone 4a climate)
How can I get seeds from my Lofa plant to start new ones for next year?
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29 Aug 21, anon (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Let the fruit dry right out then collect the seeds.
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09 Mar 21, Vasie Naicker (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
HI there, where can one purchase loofer seeds online?
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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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