Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Luffa in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)

  • 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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21 Sep 18, Pearl (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Does anyone know where I can buy loofah/luffa seeds? Got from seedsforafrica last year. They are out of stock. I am in Midrand,South Africa
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08 May 19, Naasera (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I've seen YouTube videos with 2 types of loofah. The one with ridges, and a much larger one without ridges. I live in Natal and want seeds for the much larger type. Please advise where I can get these seeds.
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28 May 19, Maruschka (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I just managed to buy some on livingseeds.co.za
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10 Aug 19, Charmaine (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I have loofah seed that could easily be 40 years old I will try growing them in Gauteng in my sun room, is it possible they will grow?
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04 Oct 19, Janice (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can you buy loofah's already grown and dried in SA ?
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24 Jan 20, NIEK VAN WYK (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can seeds be planted in container eg CIRCILAR CONTAINER 550mm HIGH X 800mm DIAMETER (One seed per above container) Will appreciate backfeed Thank you
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27 Jan 20, anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If you read the notes here it says plant 45-75cm apart. Your pots are 80cm diameter.
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28 Jan 20, James Linn (USA - Zone 8a climate)
That is how I planted mine and I had 2 vines probably 40 to 50 foot spread, 1 vine each pot.
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02 Feb 20, Hanmelie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We're can I buy loofah seeds in Gauteng?
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03 Feb 20, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look up seed selling companies on the internet in SA.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 33 comments
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Check on this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=116

- Liz

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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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