Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Luffa in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • 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

Your comments and tips

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09 Mar 21, Vasie Naicker (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
HI there, where can one purchase loofer seeds online?
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10 Mar 21, Anonymous (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Internet search where to buy luffa, or seed suppliers on-line
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02 Feb 20, Hanmelie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We're can I buy loofah seeds in Gauteng?
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17 Feb 21, Gladwin (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
send me your address and I'll post a few for you to plant.
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03 Feb 20, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look up seed selling companies on the internet in SA.
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24 Jan 20, NIEK VAN WYK (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can seeds be planted in container eg CIRCILAR CONTAINER 550mm HIGH X 800mm DIAMETER (One seed per above container) Will appreciate backfeed Thank you
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28 Jan 20, James Linn (USA - Zone 8a climate)
That is how I planted mine and I had 2 vines probably 40 to 50 foot spread, 1 vine each pot.
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27 Jan 20, anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If you read the notes here it says plant 45-75cm apart. Your pots are 80cm diameter.
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04 Oct 19, Janice (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can you buy loofah's already grown and dried in SA ?
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10 Aug 19, Charmaine (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I have loofah seed that could easily be 40 years old I will try growing them in Gauteng in my sun room, is it possible they will grow?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 33 comments
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Where can I buy the plant or the vegetable please I'm in ispwich Queensland. Many thanks Michelle

- Michelle Mckee

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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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