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

04 Jan 20, Mindi (USA - Zone 8a climate)
We live in zone 8a and the biggest challenge for us when we grow Luffa is that they climb SO high and fast in the summer. I'd suggest planning on some serious trellising as the Luffa gourds get pretty heavy before they dry out.
25 Oct 19, j d taylor (USA - Zone 9a climate)
where to get loofa seeds and best type to grow here
04 Jan 20, Mindi (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Many places online will have them.... Google search "Luffa Gourd Seeds"
29 Aug 19, NANCY SMELTZER (USA - Zone 6a climate)
I HAVE SEVERAL LOOFAH PLANTS, QUITE VINY AND HEALTHY BUT NO BLOOMS. IT’S NOW LATE AUGUST. WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG? OR IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN DO? THANKS FOR ANY HELP.
08 Feb 20, Kari (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Sometimes if plants are leafy but have no blossoms or fruit it is because the plant is putting it's energy into creating more leaves. If you prune it, it may focus it's energy on producing blossoms instead.
17 Sep 19, Terri (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Loofa need a long time to mature. 5 months or more. I planted mine late this year. Late May. They were full vines without flowers until late July. Now they are full of flowers and loofa. I am not sure how late you planted them but they may just not be mature. Another thing may be too much nitrogen in the soil.switch to phosphorus based to get the plants focused on flowering.
15 Aug 19, Andrea Gearllach (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Would loofah be ok to grow near rhubarb and kiwi berries?
11 Jun 19, Wyndi (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I live in southern Idaho (zone 7) We have had an incredibly cold, wet spring. It is now mid June, would it still be possible to have success planting seeds now?
24 Jun 19, Linda (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Luffa need a very long growing season. It is said to need near 200 days. If you look for your first frost date then count back to today and see if you have enough days. Good luck!
08 Jun 19, Linda (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I have 3 Luffa plants potted , about 3” tall and healthy. They are ready to be put in ground. Now I am stuck. Full sun, part sun , keep wet, keep dry... central Florida on the river. Please help.
Showing 21 - 30 of 46 comments

Let the fruit dry right out then collect the seeds.

- anon

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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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