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 S              
      T T T T          
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - tropical 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

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24 Mar 23, Zarina (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hello I would live to grow luffa & make soaps with them to sell. Please advise me where I am able to buy it. Thank you
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29 Mar 23, Donna (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi Zarina, I don't know anything about this company that is located in your area, but I found a local seed company called Seeds and Plants South Africa. Not all seed companies offer luffa seeds as you probably have discovered no matter where you garden. The website site looks very professional with a wide variety of selections. The Best, Donna
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14 Feb 23, Sammy (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I am currently growing luffa I'm only a beginner and I haven't planned this the frosts r coming but hopefully I'll get fruits the plants seem very hardy one snapped and it recovered love them already
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23 Jan 23, Lisa Cologna (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I live in Las Vegas Nevada. It gets very hot during the summer months (100 to 120°). Will the loofahs grow here?
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01 Feb 23, Elaine (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Yes! I live in south Spain which is zone 9b/10a and grew loofah plants successfully in 2021. We had a couple of weeks over 40c (105f) and it grew like crazy! Use straw mulch and water well twice a week.
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29 Oct 22, Dorothy Curtain (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am in Fremantle area in WA and want to know what type of soil is best and if windy conditions are detrimental to growing loofah , and do they withstand 40dg.which can happen over summer , so for this area when is best time for planting . Thank you
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30 Oct 22, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
The planting guide is at the top of the page - pick temperate climate zone - spring -summer. Try and protect from the wind and if possible a bit of shade morning or afternoon. On a trellis if possible.
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28 Aug 22, Sena faught (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Hello, I planted my seeds indoors to sprout. Once they sprouted, I planted 6 plants in late June 2022. They took off great!! But, I’ve only one gord or lofffah that has grown to full size.. I’ve only male plants, no females… and now it’s august and I’ve still only the one gord.. did I do something wrong?? It has taken over my back yard but still no female plants
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31 Aug 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You have male and female flowers on plants, The one with the little fruit is the female. Pobably no bees. Try hand pollination.
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29 Jul 22, Nelia van Wyk (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi there I have a soap making business and would like to sell loofah sponges. do you have a contact for me in South Africa where I can buy the loofah's wholesale to re-sell? Kind regards Nelia
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Showing 11 - 20 of 194 comments
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I grew Luffa for the first time this year (West Sydney) planted seeds 24 Sept, planted out 8 Oct. Nothing happened until mid Feb, by which time the vines were 20 feet high, started nipping out the growing tips, and any side shoots greater than 3 feet. The vines are flowering like made (male and female). Soil preparation NIL, watered about 1-2 inches per week, mulched with grass clippings, PH is currently 6.4. The biggest Luffa is currently 13 inches long (like a huge lebanese cucumber. Hope this helps future luffa growers.

- David

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