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Here is the Luffa Sponge Gourd, Luffa aegyptiaca. It is also known as the Dishrag Gourd, Dishcloth Gourd and Vegetable Sponge
Here is the Luffa Sponge Gourd, Luffa aegyptiaca. It is also known as the Dishrag Gourd, Dishcloth Gourd and Vegetable Sponge. It is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable, but must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible.The fruits typically reach twelve to fifteen inches long at maturity but can reach thirty inches and 4 to 7 inches in diameter! Plants don't get to much bigger then 20 feet long bot can get longer in warmer climates. we also found it possible to winter the lower half of the plant for a second year of sponges! Now luffa's are edible but we did not care to much for them but rather use them in the shower for a body scrub. If you never grew luffa before then try it at least once to experience this wonderful vine. its a long season plant as well so start seeds in doors in February.  Open pollinated 140 days.

Luffa Sponge Gourd

SKU: 6600-4
$2.99Price

  • Quantity 4 seeds

    4 seeds

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  • GERMINATION INFO

    Gourds need:

    • Full sun, or at least 6 hours a day.

       

    • Fertile soil, should be prepared before planting.

       

    • Lots of water, especially early in the growing season.

       

    • They need a slightly acidic soil. pH of 6. to 6.5

    Planting: Prepare the seed by soaking in water overnight or longer. Seeds may be clipped on the edges next to the point. These two steps hasten the germination time. Gourds are slow to germinate, taking anywhere from one to six weeks. The average number of seeds to germinate is about 60 to 80%. Plant seeds directly into the ground or they may also be started in small pots and transplanted to the ground , after any danger of frost and when the plant has 4 leaves. Gourds do not like to have their roots disturbed and will be slow to begin growth. Plant the seeds to the depth of about time and a half the size of the seed. Though they are slow to get started, once the vine begins, you can almost watch the movement.

    Growing time: Gourds need a long growing season in our hot sunny climate. Ornamentals need about 100 days from sprouting to maturity. Hardshells, Lagenaria, take 120-140 days, depending on the size and thickness of its shell. Luffas take 140 days. Luffas are slower to sprout and will mature late. They like especially hot weather. Water all gourds regularly during the early growing season. When the gourds are mature, usually September or October, stop watering altogether. To discontinue the heavy watering in August is a trigger for the gourds to start the drying and hardening off process. (Again, loosing 20 to 30% of the gourds is normal.)

    Potential Problems: