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

03 Sep 13, Margaret Quantick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have looked for the seeds but can not find where to buy them in my area, have them posted to me.
23 Sep 13, Linda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden seeds sell luffa seeds.
04 Apr 13, Akpotu Samson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I purchase loofah in Durban/South Africa
15 Oct 14, Ru (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I bought my african loofah seeds from livings seeds (south africa). Just google them since I can't post the link here. They sell heirloom seeds. In fact I just planted some and have 5 seedlings already :-)
10 Mar 13, Maz (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
I have just bought a lovely big dried loofah. I soked it in the bath and many seeds floated out. Can I grow them? and how should I treat them?
14 Feb 13, jaclin (Australia - temperate climate)
i need to know from where i can buy loofa seede please thank you
20 Aug 13, Jaizi (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Green Harvest sell Luffa seeds
08 Nov 12, Jaclin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, Bella I am very interested in buying Loofa seeds from you are you able to sell me some? Kind regrds Jaclin
01 Oct 12, Eva (Australia - temperate climate)
I have lufa seeds, I can send you some- just give me addrress (it is time to plant it) I am in melbourne.(email is best)
13 Sep 13, sukesh (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello Eva. I will appreciate if you could send me some Luffa seeds if possible. I bought some seeds from green harvest but they didn't grow for some reason. I can post u a prepaid envelope if you want. Kind Regards Sukesh Address: [email protected]
Showing 141 - 150 of 194 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Luffa

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.