Luffa Growing Guide

Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa acutangula

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) ●

Soil

Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants begin to bloom heavily in summer.

Spacing

Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 50cm (1' 7") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before starting them indoors in a warm place. Scarifying the seed before soaking improves absorption and speeds up germination, only nick or sand the round end of the seed so as to not damage the embryo which is in the pointy end of the seed. Seeds germinate in 5 to 7 days, and seedlings require bright light. In warm climates, set plants out when they are 3 to 4 weeks old. In colder climates, keep plants indoors or in a greenhouse until cool weather passes, and set them out when the soil is warm enough.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Luffa’s leafy vines and large yellow flowers make it a beautiful vine to grow as a summer sunscreen near outdoor living areas; luffa is also a good choice to grow on an overhead arbour. A trellis is required to support the vines and fruit.

Harvesting

Green fruits less than 7 inches long can be used in the kitchen as you would cucumbers or summer squash. As fruits mature, they become inedible and fibrous. To harvest luffas as sponges, leave them on the vine as long as possible, until they turn brown and dry, and the seeds rattle when the gourd is shaken. Store in a dry place. To process harvested luffas into sponges, soak the dried gourds in warm water for 15 minutes, then peel off the skins. Remove the seeds and excess pulp by squeezing the sponges in warm, slightly soapy water.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Luffa

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail