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 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 30 inches 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

20 May 11, Elsie Cray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Diane, When I was living in Sydney I was able to pop on down to the local middle eastern shop and pick up a loofah anytime I wanted. Since moving to Qld I've been resigned to receiving loofah's shipped to me via post. I would so love to grow my own and be the envy of all my friends. If you still have an abundance of seeds I would be forever grateful to take some off your hands. Regards Elsie
26 Jul 11, Vicki (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Diane, We would like to obtain some seeds for our school (if you still have any) as we have quite a good garden, and thought this might be interesting for our students to experience as most seem to think a loofa comes from the sea, our postal address is PMB 94, Port Lincoln, SA 5607. Any other information you can give would be appreciated cheers Vicki
15 Dec 11, Erin (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Do you have any seeds left? I cant find them anywhere!! :) [email protected]
30 Mar 13, donna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
do Loofas grow in Canberra if protected from the frost or will the cold weather in general kill them? has anyone tried growing them in a cold climate?
03 Sep 15, James (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Diane, do you still have some loofa seeds that can be given away? I'm very interested in growing these awesome plants! hope i can get your reply soon. thanks :)
02 Feb 10, Celeste (Australia - tropical climate)
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.
18 Feb 10, Jayaprakash (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I find Luffa seeds??
17 May 10, Kathy (Australia - temperate climate)
where can I buy these seed in australia
17 May 10, George Willcox (Australia - temperate climate)
You can get these on-line from Green Harvest Seeds Look them up via a web-search to get the URL Hope this helps!
18 May 10, Char (Australia - temperate climate)
I was able to buy these from Ebay australia.. just did a Luffa seed search
Showing 11 - 20 of 194 comments

For Gardenate : Young seedlings can be affected by sudden changes of temperature. To prevent this seedtrays are usually kept under cover for a few weeks. Any area which mantains even, frost-free, temperatures 24 hours will do. e.g. Unheated greenhouses, a covered area close to the house, or small frames covered with frostcloth or with a piece of fabric like old bed sheets. If possible put the trays above ground level. Too much strong sunlight can do as much damage as cold nights to seedlings.

- Liz at Gardenate

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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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