Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	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

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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21 Sep 18, Pearl (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate): Does anyone know where I can buy loofah/luffa seeds? Got from seedsforafrica last year. They are out of stock. I am in Midrand,South Africa
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Replying to:

I have started to grow loffa this year melbourne, I noticed some yellow flowers had boosted a week ago, I was very happy, but I found all baby loffas are going to die because they are all females and there isn't any male flowers to bloom, and yeasterday I had just found some male flowers shoot out next from those died baby loffas, why it dosen't like someone said that the male flowers should come early than the females. Is any one can explain that?

- Hugh

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GardenGrow

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

GardenGrow

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

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