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 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 30 inches 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
  • Luffa on vine

This type of squash while not strictly a vegetable can be eaten when young. They are more commonly grown to use when mature and dried.

The plants need warmth to grow successfully. Keep inside until all risk of frost is gone.

They grow on vines similar to cucumbers.

A large loofa makes a great back scratcher. Luffa can be cut into many shapes for scrubbing pads, padding, and other uses.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Luffa

The luffa flowers and fruits are soft and edible when young and are sometimes cooked and eaten like squash or okra. Loofah has been an important food source in many Asian cultures. The leaves and vines should not be eaten.

Your comments and tips

10 Nov 23, Rosalind gayles (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I'm in charlotte nc....when is best time to start loofah seeds?
25 Nov 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
April May if you live Zone 8a. Go to luffa page set climate to 8b and it will tell you when to plant.
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?
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.
13 Aug 21, Faye Johnson (USA - Zone 4a climate)
How can I get seeds from my Lofa plant to start new ones for next year?
29 Aug 21, anon (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Let the fruit dry right out then collect the seeds.
23 Sep 20, Vicki (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can I plant loofa seeds in Oct.
23 Sep 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Check on this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa?zone=116
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'
Showing 1 - 10 of 44 comments

We live in zone 8a and the biggest challenge for us when we grow Luffa is that they climb SO high and fast in the summer. I'd suggest planning on some serious trellising as the Luffa gourds get pretty heavy before they dry out.

- Mindi

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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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