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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
04 Apr 13, Akpotu Samson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I purchase loofah in Durban/South Africa
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Oct 14, Ru (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I bought my african loofah seeds from livings seeds (south africa). Just google them since I can't post the link here. They sell heirloom seeds. In fact I just planted some and have 5 seedlings already :-)
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Sep 13, Margaret Quantick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have looked for the seeds but can not find where to buy them in my area, have them posted to me.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Sep 13, Linda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden seeds sell luffa seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Oct 13, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi if it is still ok, can you post me some luffa seeds? Much appriciated, please email me your address so that I can send over a prepaid envelope. [email protected]
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Nov 13, Yvonne (Australia - temperate climate)
Desperate to find soom loofah seeds in WA, if anyone can help please contact me on [email protected]. thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Nov 13, Rach (Australia - temperate climate)
Seeds to Freedom as far as i know have some the have web page to order off and almost anyother thing you can think of.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Nov 13, Muriel Bremner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can you tell me where I can buy luffas in Australia suitable for soap making. i would be interested in buying at least 100 depending on length, diameter would need to be approx. 55mm. Regards Muriel Bremner Aunty Mu's Potions & Handcrafted Pure Soap
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Dec 13, Rachael (Australia - arid climate)
you can buy luffa seeds from seeds2freedom the have a good selection.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Jan 14, babylonstoren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Our loofah growing in the glasshouse has leaf curl and some colour differences on the older leaves. I think it is a mineral defficiency but not sure....Any advice PLS!!
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 51 - 60 of 189 comments
See comments for all plants

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.