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

03 Sep 15, James (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Diane, do you still have some loofa seeds that can be given away? I'm very interested in growing these awesome plants! hope i can get your reply soon. thanks :)
30 Mar 13, donna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
do Loofas grow in Canberra if protected from the frost or will the cold weather in general kill them? has anyone tried growing them in a cold climate?
15 Dec 11, Erin (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Do you have any seeds left? I cant find them anywhere!! :) [email protected]
26 Jul 11, Vicki (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Diane, We would like to obtain some seeds for our school (if you still have any) as we have quite a good garden, and thought this might be interesting for our students to experience as most seem to think a loofa comes from the sea, our postal address is PMB 94, Port Lincoln, SA 5607. Any other information you can give would be appreciated cheers Vicki
20 May 11, Elsie Cray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Diane, When I was living in Sydney I was able to pop on down to the local middle eastern shop and pick up a loofah anytime I wanted. Since moving to Qld I've been resigned to receiving loofah's shipped to me via post. I would so love to grow my own and be the envy of all my friends. If you still have an abundance of seeds I would be forever grateful to take some off your hands. Regards Elsie
17 Jan 11, Hugh (Australia - temperate climate)
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?
11 Dec 10, Tina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Diane have you got any seeds left as I would love some. Thanks heaps.
02 Dec 10, Shireen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Diane I can remember these fascinating vines growing in my Aunt's place in Brisbane and would love some seeds. My address is PO Box 5 Rylstone 2849
24 Jul 10, sheree (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, I have just found out about the amazing loofah plants and saw your comment about receving some seeds. I would really like some please. Could you please send some to me. Sheree Berghan PO BOX 57 CHINCHILLA QLD 4413
15 Jan 10, Paula (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Loofas wow - grow like crazy with just a fence to run along - eat them when they are like zuchinni size. The vine took off up a tree nearby - a bit hard to pick then. I have seeds coming out my ears. great for getting the dirt off in the bath room.
Showing 181 - 190 of 194 comments

I have been growing luffah for a few years now, and each season it doesn't fruit until the beginning of the fall and the last couple years I have lost all the fruit to the early freezes!

- Cyrus

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