Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                S      
T                   T T

(Best months for growing Luffa in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 11-12 weeks. Use as a back scratcher.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

01 Jul 16, Mr. Loofah (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
You lose an average of 3.3 degrees fahrenheit for every 1000 feet of elevation.
07 Aug 15, Tek Chhetri (USA - Zone 6b climate)
can i grow luffa in august?
25 Apr 15, michelle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get luffa seeds in south africa?
30 Dec 14, (Australia - arid climate)
I got some on Ebay
26 Dec 14, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on the coast in Melbourne Victoria. Would love to buy some Luffa seeds or plant. Could any one help me as to where? ......Thank you very much....
28 Jul 15, Sally-Anne Pucek (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers sell Loofah seeds
03 Jan 15, Jessica Reid (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Bridget, I just bought some on Ebay..there are lots of people selling them in Australia, just filter your search results to suppliers within Australia :-) Jessica
30 Dec 14, Lynette (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Dear Bridget, You can buy Luffa seed from Green Harvest. Lynette
11 Nov 14, Ralph T (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can i buy loofa seed or plants
06 Oct 14, Tammy (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I grew loofhas this year and has success. But my question is...I have some very large loofahs that seem to just get bigger and then I have some that (to me) are small and are turning yellow. I can't find a good answer as to know when to pick them. Any advise? I can't let them dry on vine because it's getting down in the mid 30's already
Showing 121 - 130 of 194 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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