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

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14 Jul 14, Johan (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How do you ripen louffah plants off the vine?
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11 Jun 14, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
diseases on luffa's, scan you help please with names of insecticides for this type of environment.
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04 Apr 14, Zima (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How can I winterize loofah?
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14 Mar 14, mike steele (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Where can I purchase best Luffa seeds for my zone?
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06 Jan 14, babylonstoren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Our loofah growing in the glasshouse has leaf curl and some colour differences on the older leaves. I think it is a mineral defficiency but not sure....Any advice PLS!!
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13 Nov 13, Muriel Bremner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can you tell me where I can buy luffas in Australia suitable for soap making. i would be interested in buying at least 100 depending on length, diameter would need to be approx. 55mm. Regards Muriel Bremner Aunty Mu's Potions & Handcrafted Pure Soap
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14 Dec 13, Rachael (Australia - arid climate)
you can buy luffa seeds from seeds2freedom the have a good selection.
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01 Nov 13, Yvonne (Australia - temperate climate)
Desperate to find soom loofah seeds in WA, if anyone can help please contact me on [email protected]. thank you
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04 Nov 13, Rach (Australia - temperate climate)
Seeds to Freedom as far as i know have some the have web page to order off and almost anyother thing you can think of.
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10 Oct 13, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi if it is still ok, can you post me some luffa seeds? Much appriciated, please email me your address so that I can send over a prepaid envelope. [email protected]
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Showing 131 - 140 of 194 comments
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Where /who can i buy luffa seeds from in new zealand as i wish to try growing some in my tunnel house next season

- Jill green

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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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