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 S S S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - temperate 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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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
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13 Nov 13, Muriel Bremner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can you tell me where I can buy luffas in Australia suitable for soap making. i would be interested in buying at least 100 depending on length, diameter would need to be approx. 55mm. Regards Muriel Bremner Aunty Mu's Potions & Handcrafted Pure Soap
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14 Dec 13, Rachael (Australia - arid climate)
you can buy luffa seeds from seeds2freedom the have a good selection.
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01 Nov 13, Yvonne (Australia - temperate climate)
Desperate to find soom loofah seeds in WA, if anyone can help please contact me on [email protected]. thank you
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04 Nov 13, Rach (Australia - temperate climate)
Seeds to Freedom as far as i know have some the have web page to order off and almost anyother thing you can think of.
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10 Oct 13, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi if it is still ok, can you post me some luffa seeds? Much appriciated, please email me your address so that I can send over a prepaid envelope. [email protected]
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03 Sep 13, Margaret Quantick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have looked for the seeds but can not find where to buy them in my area, have them posted to me.
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23 Sep 13, Linda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden seeds sell luffa seeds.
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14 Feb 13, jaclin (Australia - temperate climate)
i need to know from where i can buy loofa seede please thank you
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20 Aug 13, Jaizi (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Green Harvest sell Luffa seeds
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Showing 41 - 50 of 93 comments
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check your electric company you can find crates free the ones from the electric company have frames on top perfect for cold frame lid, most have plastic wrapped around them and a pallet bottom. They are a little tall for a cold frame but there are only 4 studs ( in corners) and a few thin cross boards to stabilize the container. We remove the nice frames from the tops, cut the studs to the right height, use the cross boards to frame the bottom. Two boxes will make one 4 x 4 cold frame. every bit free except screws or nails to reassemble.

- Lura

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