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
T               T T T T
P               P P P P

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - sub-tropical 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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11 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Go to the Luffa page again and read, it is all there.
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30 Jun 19, Karen Flakelar (Australia - temperate climate)
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?
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26 May 19, Sue Giles (Australia - temperate climate)
I got seeds from the hills seed company in Perth.
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21 May 19, Gina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just found this link on growing luffa for anyone interested. Cheers. https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/smooth-luffa/9426690
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31 Jan 19, Zac Ezzy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Boondie Seeds, Armidale NSW. that's where I got mine :)
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31 Dec 18, Betty (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I bought some loofah seeds on eBay and want to know if I can plant them now. From what I read it would be possible and have fruit by April. Could you please confirm Many thanks Betty
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02 Jan 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Loofah are cold and frost tender, so if you have a suitable micro-climate that will provide warm weather and enough water until April, it's worth trying.
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08 Dec 18, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Central Gippsland, is this a combatible climate for loofahs? And do they need much water? Lisa
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10 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the notes here. Warm weather- no frosts.
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07 Dec 18, Leeanne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can i purchase the seed from please
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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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