Luffa Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca)
Is it food? Is it a sponge? It's BOTH! When harvested early, luffa can be eaten the same way as zucchini. Allowed to mature on the vine and luffa gourds will develop incredibly tough fibers. Luffa sponges can be used to scrub surfaces, dishes, even your body! Just... hopefully not at the same time.
Annual
Full Sun
Fruit size: 24" long
Planting depth: 3/4" deep
Seed spacing: 3 seeds per container / location
Row Spacing: 3 feet apart
Zones: 6,7,8,9,10
Harvest in: 90-120 days
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Seeds can be started 3-4 weeks, no sooner, before the last frost. Transplant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. Mulch around each plant, but leave at least one inch of space between the mulch and the luffa vines stem. This will reduce the risk of bacteria or fungi being washed onto the plant when watered. Provide adequate trellising, as luffa can grow up to 30 feet in length.
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For eating, luffa can be harvested beginning when fruit reaches 4-6 inches. If growing for luffa sponge, allow fruit to mature on the vine until the skin browns over. Simply peel the papery skin off, empty luffa of seeds and rinse thoroughly.
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Luffa can be affected by the same pests and diseases as zucchini and squash, such as powdery mildew and leaf miners.
Before sowing, scour the seed slightly with sandpaper and soak for several hours prior to planting. Scouring the seed allows for the water to penetrate the seed coat, which increases the germination rate.