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
  • Luffa on vine

This type of squash while not strictly a vegetable can be eaten when young. They are more commonly grown to use when mature and dried.

The plants need warmth to grow successfully. Keep inside until all risk of frost is gone.

They grow on vines similar to cucumbers.

A large loofa makes a great back scratcher. Luffa can be cut into many shapes for scrubbing pads, padding, and other uses.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Luffa

The luffa flowers and fruits are soft and edible when young and are sometimes cooked and eaten like squash or okra. Loofah has been an important food source in many Asian cultures. The leaves and vines should not be eaten.

Your comments and tips

02 Oct 24, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try Kings seeds and plant Barn
01 Apr 22, Jurgen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Also koanga gardens sells luffa seeds
02 Jan 19, Steve (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I buy luffa seed in New Zealand. Cheers Steve
06 Jan 19, Marilyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Kings seeds
02 Jan 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try a search for "luffa seeds NZ"
17 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The best way to find where to buy something is to google it - buy luffa seeds inNZ -
18 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Kings seeds sell a lot of seed in NZ by the look of it.
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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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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