LUFFA SPONGE GOURD seeds are part of the same family as cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and other gourds. Luffa cylindrica is native to India and grown in many other parts of the world. It’s been called the dishcloth gourd, vegetable sponge, Smooth Luffa or Chinese okra. When the luffa is less than 6 inches long, you can slice it up raw in salads or cook it like squash or okra. These vines are good climbers for trellises and fences. They also will do well in a large container. If you grow on the ground provide something to keep the gourds off the soil (straw, etc). For sponges, cut the Luffas off the vine at about 1 1/2 to 2 feet. As they dry, they’ll turn from dark green to brown, and become light in weight. After about two or three weeks, remove the tough outer skin. Soak the Luffas for a day or so to help loosen the skin, or shatter the dry, crispy skin and peel it off the luffa in sections. 30+ seeds per order. Thank You!