Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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(Best months for growing Luffa in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

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

20 Aug 09, James (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I know you can get organic luffa seeds at Greenpatch otherwise try Green Harvest both have excellent mail order services James
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19 Aug 09, john giffard (Australia - tropical climate): where can i buy some luffa seed please
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16 Mar 09, David (Australia - temperate climate): I grew Luffa for the first time this year (West Sydney) planted seeds 24 Sept, planted out 8 Oct. Nothing happened until mid Feb, by which time the vines were 20 feet high, started nipping out the growing tips, and any side shoots greater than 3 feet. The vines are flowering like made (male and female). Soil preparation NIL, watered about 1-2 inches per week, mulched with grass clippings, PH is currently 6.4. The biggest Luffa is currently 13 inches long (like a huge lebanese cucumber. Hope this helps future luffa growers.
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03 Sep 08, peter dolman (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I would like to know if the Luffa's require irrigation or a lot of water ? Also how long must one wait until a harvest ? Oh also what is the best soil ph ? and fertilizers used ? Thankyou Peter
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