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 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

04 Oct 18, EILEEN ZERRENNER (USA - Zone 6a climate)
will lofa grow in my zone?
15 Dec 18, Doug (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Very difficult, this plant needs a very long growing season with warm soil, at least 65 F. If you try this, be certain to start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Use biodegradable starting pots and plant out when you are absolutely certain there will not be another frost. Provide full sun for as much of the day as you can. At harvest time wait until fully dried on the vine or if there is a risk of frost, harvest immediately, even if it is still a green pod. Good luck.
12 Feb 19, Dawn (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How do I know what zone I am in? I am so new to this.
12 Feb 19, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Go to the tab 'Climate zones' and scroll down to find your zone. Gardenate zones for USA are based on USDA Hardiness zones. Find your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone by entering your ZIP code at the USDA Plant Hardiness website.
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.
09 Jun 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Luffa belong to the curcubit family, so you can follow advice for growing zucchini or pumpkins
24 Jun 19, Linda (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I also have 3 luffa plants. First year growing in north Florida. I put one in full sun, one in part sun and one in complete shade. They are all growing at the same pace but with one exception: the one in full shade has zero luffa. The other two each have 5 very large ones.
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!
15 Aug 19, Andrea Gearllach (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Would loofah be ok to grow near rhubarb and kiwi berries?
Showing 11 - 20 of 44 comments

Go to the tab 'Climate zones' and scroll down to find your zone. Gardenate zones for USA are based on USDA Hardiness zones. Find your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone by entering your ZIP code at the USDA Plant Hardiness website.

- Liz at Gardenate

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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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