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

23 Jul 20, Dan (USA - Zone 5a climate)
How much sun do they need
07 Aug 20, Liz (USA - Zone 8a climate)
An internet search might help, try 'loofah' as an alternative to 'luffa'
20 Jul 20, Martin Dale (Canada - Zone 8a Mild Temperate climate)
Hello from Vancouver! Thank you for this wonderful site. I wonder if you could tell me if Loofahs can be grown in this part of the country? It would be great if so. Would they need a greenhouse? Thank you! Martin
23 Jul 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
You could, with two caveats: they take forever to mature (like 200+ days), and they take a lot of space (like 6-9 meters). So I think it's too late for you to grow them outside this year, but you could still grow them in a LARGE greenhouse...they set fruit during short days so time your lighting accordingly. Your best bet is probably to start them indoors in peat-type pots in late winter for next year.
14 Mar 22, Martin Dale (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Thank you so much! I had forgotten that I had posted this question two years ago . . . . I may give it a try this summer!
09 Jul 20, Shemainee Carranza (USA - Zone 10a climate)
When is the lates to plant Luffa for zone 10?
09 Jul 20, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=15
11 Mar 20, Karen (Australia - tropical climate)
Will these grow in Darwin .its wet season now
12 Aug 20, Mary-Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
I’m in Palmerston & my Luffa is growing beautifully. The gourds are impressive too!
11 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Go to the Luffa page again and read, it is all there.
Showing 31 - 40 of 189 comments

Look up seed selling companies on the internet in SA.

- anon

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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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