Gourd – Luffa

Luffa is an wonderful variety, which is the source of the Luffa Sponge. Fast growing vines produce delicious green fruits that when young are edible and eaten just as a summer squash or okra would be, also great in soups and stews. Fruits when fully mature become a compact network of close fibers that makes a great scrubbing sponge. Used as a bath sponge the excellent fibers exfoliate loose cells on the skin and produces a mild glow. Shredded or powdered luffa fibers can also be mixed into soap making mixtures before pouring into a soap mold. The sponge induces blood circulation on the skin and has been credited as a relief for rheumatic and arthritic suffers. The luffa’s resiliency makes it useful for many products like filters, baskets, slipper soles, washing dirty dishes, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms ,and more. When sponges become soiled wash them in the washing machine. Luffa is environmentally safe and biodegradable. A wonderful versatile plant.
Sowing: Sow after danger of frost and soil and air temperature have warmed. Can start indoors 3-4 weeks in peat pots prior to last frost. Nick and then soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow 1/2 inch deep in well drained soil.
Germination: 7-14 days Spacing: Space plants 3+ feet apart.
Days to maturity: 150 days
Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist, mulch to retain moisture
Soil: Well drained, rich soil
Light: Full sun Information: Provide a support of a fence, arbor, or trellis. Harvest young fruits for eating when they are 4-6 inches.
For Luffa Sponges leave fruits on the vine until skin begins to shrivel. The skin will be removed to reveal the luffa sponge inside. Then sponge is soaked and clean to prepare for use.