This open pollinated gourd variety is also called Vegetable Sponge and Dishcloth Gourd because, once cured, skin can be peeled off to reveal a usable sponge! Vigorous, rapidly growing vines from which fruit can be harvested over a long period of time. First harvest is typically in 55 to 60 days. Average water needs. Water regularly, but don't over water.

HOW TO GROW LUFFA (LOOFAH) SPONGE Gourd

1. If you’re in a cooler zone, start your Luffa seeds early, indoors, 6 – 8 weeks before the last frost date.

2. Use new Luffa Seeds and soak them in water for 24 hours prior to planting.

3. Increase your success at germination by starting your seeds on a seed heat pad. Sow seeds and then place their pots on the warmth.

4. Transplant into biodegradable or paper pots once the first “true” set of leaves have formed. Using pots that decompose reduces the risk of transplant shock which Luffa plants are prone to.

5. For an even BETTER chance of reducing transplant shock,grow in soil black instead of pots.

6. When the weather is right (warm soil and air) start hardening off your seedlings.This is more important than with most other plants because Luffa are so prone to transplant shock.

7.  After a week or so of hardening off, plant your seedlings in an area that gets FULL sun. As much sun as possible.Anything less and you won’t get any Luffas.

8.  Plant your seedlings at the base of a really strong structure that its vines can climb on and cling to.Chain link fence or something similar is perfect.

9. If after planting out,a cold snap threatens, cover the seedlings with a vented cloche. A plastic pop bottle cut in half with a lot of air holes punched into it would work fine.  A few days of cold weather will STOP a luffa from growing and it could take a month before they get over the shock.

10. Keep the Luffa watered.

11.Two months before your first frost date ,you need to pich away all the flowers on the vine.This is important because it will direct all the plant’s remaining energy to growing the luffas that are on the vine now instead of starting all new tiny luffas from the flowers that have no chance of ever getting big enough to harvest.

12.Pick your Luffa sponges BEFORE they’re hit by frost even if they’re still green. Technically you aren’t supposed to pick them until they’re dried out and brown.You can still pick them when they’re green and get perfectly acceptable Luffas.They’re just a bit harder to peel.