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            

(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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
14 Mar 22, Martin Dale (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Thank you so much! I had forgotten that I had posted this question two years ago . . . . I may give it a try this summer!
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jul 20, Shemainee Carranza (USA - Zone 10a climate)
When is the lates to plant Luffa for zone 10?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jul 20, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=15
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Mar 20, Karen (Australia - tropical climate)
Will these grow in Darwin .its wet season now
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Aug 20, Mary-Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
I’m in Palmerston & my Luffa is growing beautifully. The gourds are impressive too!
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Go to the Luffa page again and read, it is all there.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Feb 20, Hanmelie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We're can I buy loofah seeds in Gauteng?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 21, Gladwin (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
send me your address and I'll post a few for you to plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Feb 20, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look up seed selling companies on the internet in SA.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Feb 20, Kristina Fischer (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I was just given a huge jar of very healthy looking loofah seeds. Our cold frame just collapsed after six years of heavy use and we don't have funds for another one. Would it be possible to plant the loofah seeds in peat pots in April and still harvest loofah by fall?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 50 of 195 comments
See comments for all plants

Can I grow Luffa in Bellingham Washington? What sorts of yields can I expect?

- Diane Cotman

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.