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

05 Apr 12, eddie (Australia - temperate climate)
I was wondering if anyone has any luffa seeds i could have. I am having trouble locating them is south australia. Please email if you have any spare. Thank you.
07 Apr 12, Kim (Australia - tropical climate)
I think I have some (planted luffa but have to make sure it is definitely not just one of the varieties of cucumber I planted). I would be interested in doing a swap with you Eddie. What do you have that would be good in the tropics?
02 Sep 12, xandra (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm in S.A. & I have ordered some luffa seeds from eBay, $2.50 a pack. Hope this helps.
01 Oct 12, Eva (Australia - temperate climate)
I have lufa seeds, I can send you some- just give me addrress (it is time to plant it) I am in melbourne.(email is best)
10 Aug 13, Rati (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Eva, if you have spare luffa seeds an you send me some please. thanks
13 Sep 13, sukesh (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello Eva. I will appreciate if you could send me some Luffa seeds if possible. I bought some seeds from green harvest but they didn't grow for some reason. I can post u a prepaid envelope if you want. Kind Regards Sukesh Address: [email protected]
08 Nov 12, Jaclin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, Bella I am very interested in buying Loofa seeds from you are you able to sell me some? Kind regrds Jaclin
14 Feb 13, jaclin (Australia - temperate climate)
i need to know from where i can buy loofa seede please thank you
20 Aug 13, Jaizi (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Green Harvest sell Luffa seeds
10 Mar 13, Maz (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
I have just bought a lovely big dried loofah. I soked it in the bath and many seeds floated out. Can I grow them? and how should I treat them?
Showing 41 - 50 of 189 comments

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

- Elsie Cray

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.