Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
								P	P

(Best months for growing Luffa in South Africa - Semi-arid 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

17 Feb 21, Gladwin (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): send me your address and I'll post a few for you to plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 21, Vasie Naicker (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): HI there, where can one purchase loofer seeds online?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Mar 21, Anonymous (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Internet search where to buy luffa, or seed suppliers on-line
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Mar 22, Deleene (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I live in a very hot long summer rainfall with a short very cold (black frost at least once in winter) area. When is the best time to plant my Loofah seeds?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 22, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate): https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Luffa It is right there in the calendar.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Early spring. Do it now.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 May 22, Adele Palmer (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): I live in Gordonsbay,Western Cape. Can I plant my seeds in trays now and transplant into the garden after winter into bigger pots
Reply or Post a new comment
24 May 22, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate): Maybe leave it until mid winter as you plant out seedlings when about 4 weeks old. But your soil temps maybe too cold then. Check what time of the year you should plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment

Showing 21 - 30 of 33 comments

See comments for all plants

Replying to:

Very difficult, this plant needs a very long growing season with warm soil, at least 65 F. If you try this, be certain to start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Use biodegradable starting pots and plant out when you are absolutely certain there will not be another frost. Provide full sun for as much of the day as you can. At harvest time wait until fully dried on the vine or if there is a risk of frost, harvest immediately, even if it is still a green pod. Good luck.

- Doug

Your name

Where are you?

Email address

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply

Your reply

All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

Become A Supporter!

Planting Reminders