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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
14 Mar 14, mike steele (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Where can I purchase best Luffa seeds for my zone?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 11, Cyrus (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I have been growing luffah for a few years now, and each season it doesn't fruit until the beginning of the fall and the last couple years I have lost all the fruit to the early freezes!
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Apr 12, Pam (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Perhaps you could use a row cover. These work great to protect plants from frosts & insects.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Nov 10, kistler insurance (Australia - arid climate)
Hey Kimberley, I doubt it?!? Kind regards, Heidi
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 44 of 44 comments
See comments for all plants

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.

- Linda

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.