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 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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19 Aug 09, john giffard (Australia - tropical climate)
where can i buy some luffa seed please
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16 Mar 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew Luffa for the first time this year (West Sydney) planted seeds 24 Sept, planted out 8 Oct. Nothing happened until mid Feb, by which time the vines were 20 feet high, started nipping out the growing tips, and any side shoots greater than 3 feet. The vines are flowering like made (male and female). Soil preparation NIL, watered about 1-2 inches per week, mulched with grass clippings, PH is currently 6.4. The biggest Luffa is currently 13 inches long (like a huge lebanese cucumber. Hope this helps future luffa growers.
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03 Sep 08, peter dolman (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to know if the Luffa's require irrigation or a lot of water ? Also how long must one wait until a harvest ? Oh also what is the best soil ph ? and fertilizers used ? Thankyou Peter
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Hi while all my other gourd plants have died off over winter my luffa seems to be powering on as if it prefers winter and has lots of little luffahs and flowers coming on It doesn't even appear to be affected by frost Is this normal luffa behaviour?

- Karen Flakelar

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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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