Gourd 'Sponge Luffa' Seeds (Naturally Grown)
$3.50
In stock
SKU
GH0364
Grown for its fibrous flesh which, when dried, makes the best bath sponges ever!
Make your own bath sponge! The fibrous internal structure of the gourd converts into sponges after 12” long. They climb or spread just like cucumbers and need a very similar growing environment. When ripe at 12” or when the skin feels loose, cut them from the vine and leave in a dry place with good air circulation. The outer skin will come away revealing the luffa beneath. Wash them in mild disinfectant and place in a warm place to dry completely.
You can also grow these to eat as a vegetable. Luffas are known in Asian Cuisine as “Cee Gwa.” Harvest them for eating when they are 2-6″ long. They can be eaten like a cucumber, or chop and stir-fry with chicken, bamboo shoots, or cashews.
| Botanical Name | Luffa cylindrica |
|---|---|
| Seeds Per Pack | 10 |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate | 3 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate | 21 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/2 in. |
| When to Sow | Indoors 2-4 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height | 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) |
| Plant Spacing | 12-15 in. (30-38 cm) |
| Hardiness | N/A |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Danger | Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
| Bloom Color | Bright Yellow |
| Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
| Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements | 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Days to Harvest | 90-100, 100-110, 110-120, 120-130 |
| Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting | Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds |
Write Your Own Review