Description
Luffa Sponge Gourd
Luffa's long, trailing vine grows like winter squash and requires a full season to mature. Full-sized gourds are 12-18" long. Their dried interiors absorb like a sponge when wet, then become firm when dry. Popular for use in the bath, shower, and kitchen. This seed packet weighs 3g.
Planting
Sow outdoors in full sun and loose soil with plenty of organic matter about two weeks after last spring frost date when soil is warm. Plant 3-4 evenly spaced seeds per hill. Or start indoors two weeks before last frost. Thin to two or three gourds per vine for largest fruit.
Note
Harvest mature gourds in fall just before the first hard frost. Bring fruits indoors and allow to dry completely. Seeds will rattle inside when gourd is dry. Soak gourd in water for a few days to soften outer skin, which should peel off easily. Cut off the ends and wash out the seeds to make loofa.
- Seed Space: 4"
- Sprouts in 10-15 days
- Height: 12-30'
- Flowers in late Summer
