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

14 Mar 14, mike steele (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Where can I purchase best Luffa seeds for my zone?
04 Apr 14, Zima (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How can I winterize loofah?
11 Jun 14, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
diseases on luffa's, scan you help please with names of insecticides for this type of environment.
14 Jul 14, Johan (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How do you ripen louffah plants off the vine?
06 Oct 14, Tammy (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I grew loofhas this year and has success. But my question is...I have some very large loofahs that seem to just get bigger and then I have some that (to me) are small and are turning yellow. I can't find a good answer as to know when to pick them. Any advise? I can't let them dry on vine because it's getting down in the mid 30's already
11 Nov 14, Ralph T (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can i buy loofa seed or plants
26 Dec 14, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on the coast in Melbourne Victoria. Would love to buy some Luffa seeds or plant. Could any one help me as to where? ......Thank you very much....
30 Dec 14, Lynette (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Dear Bridget, You can buy Luffa seed from Green Harvest. Lynette
03 Jan 15, Jessica Reid (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Bridget, I just bought some on Ebay..there are lots of people selling them in Australia, just filter your search results to suppliers within Australia :-) Jessica
28 Jul 15, Sally-Anne Pucek (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers sell Loofah seeds
Showing 61 - 70 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

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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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