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

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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.
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09 Jun 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Luffa belong to the curcubit family, so you can follow advice for growing zucchini or pumpkins
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12 Feb 19, Dawn (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How do I know what zone I am in? I am so new to this.
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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.
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04 Oct 18, EILEEN ZERRENNER (USA - Zone 6a climate)
will lofa grow in my zone?
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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.
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30 Sep 18, Diane Cotman (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can I grow Luffa in Bellingham Washington? What sorts of yields can I expect?
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22 Aug 15, Linda Joy Smith (USA - Zone 8b climate)
If I plant a seed, preferably 2 and put it out doors in June, will it have enough time to produce a vegetable by the first frost in November? It is August and I just got my first vegetable to start to grow. It took along time for nature to do the cross pollination. Thank you, Linda from Virginia Beeach
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11 Nov 15, Donna (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I'm in Port Angeles at 1,000 ft. I planted two Luffas (seed) in May. Only 1 produced fruit, and it only got about 7-8" long (3" in diameter). Are there any charts for altitude?
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01 Jul 16, Mr. Loofah (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
You lose an average of 3.3 degrees fahrenheit for every 1000 feet of elevation.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 46 comments
See comments for all plants

Loofas will tolerate the dry conditions but will grow pretty much anywhere.I have always left the sponges dry on the vine. What are the advantages of peeling them green other than the whiteness? My vine is now two years old.It diddn't get cold enough last year to kill it off. As this is the first vine I grew where I live now, I'll be interested to see if it survives another year and how it behaves.

- Celeste

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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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