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
T               T T T T
P               P P P P

(Best months for growing Luffa in Australia - sub-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 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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08 Nov 12, Jaclin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, Bella I am very interested in buying Loofa seeds from you are you able to sell me some? Kind regrds Jaclin
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01 Oct 12, Eva (Australia - temperate climate)
I have lufa seeds, I can send you some- just give me addrress (it is time to plant it) I am in melbourne.(email is best)
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13 Sep 13, sukesh (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello Eva. I will appreciate if you could send me some Luffa seeds if possible. I bought some seeds from green harvest but they didn't grow for some reason. I can post u a prepaid envelope if you want. Kind Regards Sukesh Address: [email protected]
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10 Aug 13, Rati (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Eva, if you have spare luffa seeds an you send me some please. thanks
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05 Apr 12, eddie (Australia - temperate climate)
I was wondering if anyone has any luffa seeds i could have. I am having trouble locating them is south australia. Please email if you have any spare. Thank you.
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02 Sep 12, xandra (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm in S.A. & I have ordered some luffa seeds from eBay, $2.50 a pack. Hope this helps.
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07 Apr 12, Kim (Australia - tropical climate)
I think I have some (planted luffa but have to make sure it is definitely not just one of the varieties of cucumber I planted). I would be interested in doing a swap with you Eddie. What do you have that would be good in the tropics?
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28 Jan 12, Stu (Australia - temperate climate)
Eden seeds have luffa seeds. I got about 100% germination rate, and now have too many vines. Can buy the seeds online
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10 Sep 11, Rebecca (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have been looking everywhere to buy some loofah seeds but have not found any in Sydney. Hope you can help me. Beckx P.O.Box 1A, Palm Beach. N.S.W. 2108
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06 May 11, Annette (Australia - temperate climate)
You can purchase luffa seeds from www.greenpatchseeds.com.au. Mine have grown extremely well - I only planted seeds in a few separate places and now I have more luffas than I can use! Fantastic plant!
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If I plant a seed, preferably 2 and put it out doors in June, will it have enough time to produce a vegetable by the first frost in November? It is August and I just got my first vegetable to start to grow. It took along time for nature to do the cross pollination. Thank you, Linda from Virginia Beeach

- Linda Joy Smith

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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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