Luffa Seeds
Flower Specifications
Season: Annuals
USDA Zones: 6 - 10
Height: 4 - 6 feet
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: Yellow
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Well drained soil, pH 5.6 - 7.5
Planting Directions
Temperature: 70 - 75F
Average Germ Time: 10 - 15 days
Light Required: No
Depth: 1/2 inch
Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 36 inches
Luffa (Luffa Cylindrica) - Luffas (also spelled loofah or loofa) are part of the same family as cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and other gourds. Luffa cylindrica is native to India and grown in many other parts of the world. It’s been called dishcloth gourd, vegetable sponge or Chinese okra. In fact, when the luffa is less than 7 inches long, it is actually edible if you slice it up in salads or cook it like squash or okra.
Luffas will dry on the vine if you leave them there long enough, but many people like to cut them off when the luffa is as about 2 feet long. As they dry, they’ll turn from dark green to brown, and become lighter in weight. After about two weeks, remove the tough outer skin. Either soak them for a day to help loosen the skin, or shatter the dry, crispy skin and peel it off the luffa in sections.