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
02 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Luffa seeds are available from Eden Seeds at Lower Beechmont and Green harvest at Maleny, both in SEQld. they can be sent to WA from the eastern states. All the best
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04 Feb 17, Coco (Australia - temperate climate)
hi does any one know if I could use the seeds to plant from a store bought loofa ?
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04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
If the seeds are only a season or two old there is no reason why not. Loofa is a cucurbit (a member of the pumpkin, squash and cucumber family) but has no close relatives that it could hybridise with. Grow the same as pumpkin. Trust this helps.
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29 Dec 15, Jessica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My luffa plant grow really tall and healthy but I didn't see any fruit yet? Could you pls tell me which month they will start fruiting??? Thanx
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02 Sep 17, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, loofah take a while to fruit. I'm planting seedlings now and would expect results in January/February.
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26 Dec 14, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on the coast in Melbourne Victoria. Would love to buy some Luffa seeds or plant. Could any one help me as to where? ......Thank you very much....
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28 Jul 15, Sally-Anne Pucek (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers sell Loofah seeds
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03 Jan 15, Jessica Reid (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Bridget, I just bought some on Ebay..there are lots of people selling them in Australia, just filter your search results to suppliers within Australia :-) Jessica
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30 Dec 14, Lynette (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Dear Bridget, You can buy Luffa seed from Green Harvest. Lynette
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11 Nov 14, Ralph T (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can i buy loofa seed or plants
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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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