Luffa (Loofa) Sponge Gourd [15+ Seeds]

Description

Grow your own sponges! Luffa Gourds grow on large-leaved vines that need plenty of room to run and climb. We recommend providing a large fence or trellis for the vine to grow onto. The alternative is to provide the vine with plenty of space! Grow Luffa anytime during the year when low temperatures remain well above freezing (preferably 50 degrees or greater). Expect mature Luffas to reach an average length of 8″ to 12″. From seed to harvest allow 3 to 4 months (90 to 120 days).

Harvest Luffa when gourds are large and mature. A short video about all things Luffa in Florida is at the bottom of this page.

Growing Instructions:

Luffa is a vine so it will need room to grow, we recommend running up a fence or trellis for best results. Seed to harvest, 

North Florida: Plant in the Spring (after the last frost) and harvest into late Summer. We recommend Full Sun through Early May, then transition to Partial Sun in Late May.

Plant again in Mid to Late Summer and harvest in the Winter. We recommend Partial Sun during the months of August and September, then Full Sun October through March. Protect plants if there is a threat of frost during the Winter because they are not cold tolerant.

Central Florida: Plant in the Spring (after the last frost) and harvest into late Summer. We recommend Full Sun through Early May, then transition to Partial Sun in Late May.

Plant again in Mid to Late Summer and harvest in the Winter. We recommend Partial Sun during the months of August and September, then Full Sun October through March. Protect plants if there is a threat of frost during the Winter because they are not cold tolerant.

South Florida: Plant in the Spring (after the last frost) and harvest into late Summer. We recommend Full Sun through Early May, then transition to Partial Sun in Late May.

Plant again in Mid to Late Summer and harvest in the Winter. We recommend Partial Sun during the months of August and September, then Full Sun October through March. Protect plants if there is a threat of frost during the Winter because they are not cold tolerant.

Make a Sponge out of your Luffa Gourd:

According the University of Florida, “To make sponges, soak the mature fruit for several days, peel it, and remove the pulp. Rinse the remaining fibrous core, then lay it in the sun to dry. The resulting coarse sponge is a natural, biodegradable cleaning aid that can even be thrown in the washing machine.” (University of Florida)