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

23 Jul 20, Dan (USA - Zone 5a climate)
How much sun do they need
07 Aug 20, Liz (USA - Zone 8a climate)
An internet search might help, try 'loofah' as an alternative to 'luffa'
09 Jul 20, Shemainee Carranza (USA - Zone 10a climate)
When is the lates to plant Luffa for zone 10?
09 Jul 20, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=15
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?
09 Feb 20, Lura (USA - Zone 8a climate)
check your electric company you can find crates free the ones from the electric company have frames on top perfect for cold frame lid, most have plastic wrapped around them and a pallet bottom. They are a little tall for a cold frame but there are only 4 studs ( in corners) and a few thin cross boards to stabilize the container. We remove the nice frames from the tops, cut the studs to the right height, use the cross boards to frame the bottom. Two boxes will make one 4 x 4 cold frame. every bit free except screws or nails to reassemble.
13 Aug 20, Ilonka (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Can you post a picture of those crates? I searched online for them but can’t find any. Thank you in advance ! (Or give a link to a picture - Editor)
30 Jan 20, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
What does plant undercover mean. Inside with a plastic lid?
30 Jan 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
For Gardenate : Young seedlings can be affected by sudden changes of temperature. To prevent this seedtrays are usually kept under cover for a few weeks. Any area which mantains even, frost-free, temperatures 24 hours will do. e.g. Unheated greenhouses, a covered area close to the house, or small frames covered with frostcloth or with a piece of fabric like old bed sheets. If possible put the trays above ground level. Too much strong sunlight can do as much damage as cold nights to seedlings.
03 Jan 20, Alaina Seyssel (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What accommodations should I make for growing Luffa in 8b?
Showing 11 - 20 of 46 comments

Can I plant loofa seeds in Oct.

- Vicki

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.