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 S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - temperate 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 Australia | for all countries
10 Dec 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try an on-line search for either luffa or loofah : they are the same plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Oct 18, Karen Robertson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I but in nz tauranga area pse.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Oct 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try on the net - seed selling people. If not try Australia.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Sep 18, Michelle Mckee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy the plant or the vegetable please I'm in ispwich Queensland. Many thanks Michelle
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Sep 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
google, (or other search engines) where to buy luffa seeds on the internet.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jul 18, Karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a wonderful crop. When do I pick them? What is required after picking?
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Did you read the notes here. Depends what you want it for. Young to eat - old for pads etc.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jun 17, Sage wiltshire (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been give some seeds that I will plant this year but just wondering what soil type is best? I'm from the north region of Victoria and it is hard dry clay during summer. What soil should I plant in?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jun 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
Luffa needs the same soil requirements as pumpkins, zucchinis, etc. Work as much compost or old manure into the soil over the winter even adding a frame or an old tyre where you want to plant them to allow for more soil, compost or manure. make sure they get consistent watering at the roots and you should do well.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Mar 17, trudi pollard (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in West Australia Bedfordale in the hills a bit cooler than Perth Where can i get seeds for growing loofah in the west?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 93 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Luffa

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.