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 20°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 - 75 cm 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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16 Dec 18, Jill green (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where /who can i buy luffa seeds from in new zealand as i wish to try growing some in my tunnel house next season
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08 Dec 18, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Central Gippsland, is this a combatible climate for loofahs? And do they need much water? Lisa
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10 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the notes here. Warm weather- no frosts.
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07 Dec 18, Leeanne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can i purchase the seed from please
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10 Dec 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try an on-line search for either luffa or loofah : they are the same plant.
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06 Oct 18, Karen Robertson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I but in nz tauranga area pse.
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07 Oct 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try on the net - seed selling people. If not try Australia.
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04 Oct 18, EILEEN ZERRENNER (USA - Zone 6a climate)
will lofa grow in my zone?
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15 Dec 18, Doug (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Very difficult, this plant needs a very long growing season with warm soil, at least 65 F. If you try this, be certain to start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Use biodegradable starting pots and plant out when you are absolutely certain there will not be another frost. Provide full sun for as much of the day as you can. At harvest time wait until fully dried on the vine or if there is a risk of frost, harvest immediately, even if it is still a green pod. Good luck.
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30 Sep 18, Diane Cotman (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can I grow Luffa in Bellingham Washington? What sorts of yields can I expect?
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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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