This plant requires a tall trellis to climb.
It can be raised in pots or grow bags in cooler climates under protection. A good way of doing this is to allow it to take over the cold frame or small plastic greenhouse, the shelving providing support
In cool areas start indoors 2 weeks before planting out. Outdoors sow three seeds per hill in hills 1m/3’ apart.
Requires soil temp of between 19-22C and moisture to sprout. Keep moist until true leaves appear.
Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 3.9 inches (10.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.78 inches (2.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 20°C / 68°F to ensure good germination.By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Sponge luffa about 28 days before your last frost date .
Direct sowing is better. Otherwise pot up when seedling has three true leaves. In cooler climates it is possible to raise Luffa with the protection of a cold frame, cloche or greenhouse
As Sponge luffa is tender, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out (around 19°C / 66°F as a guideline) - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.For a soft sponge harvest luffas when they are green, for a tougher sponge wait until the outer skin is yellow and dry. You can harvest anytime after a space can be felt between the skin and the sponge inside, and the luffa is lighter in weight. You should also be able to hear seeds rattling around inside.
To prepare the luffa for use as a sponge, peel off the skin and wash under running water. Leave the luffa to dry in the sun. 2
The seeds are released as the luffa is prepared to be a sponge
These estimates for how long Sponge luffa takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 6 days | Min 3 days | Max 18 days (11)
Average 20 days | Min 15 days | Max 59 days (4)
Average 140 days | Min 140 days | Max 140 days (1)
Our when to plant Sponge luffa estimates are relative to your last frost date.
Loofah, Smooth luffa, Sponge gourd, Vegetable sponge, Dishcloth gourd, Cee Gwa, Sze Gwa, Luffa gourd
Luffa cylindrica, Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.