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Gourd - Luffa - 5 seeds
Gourd - Luffa - 5 seeds
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5 seed count
Luffa gourd, also known as sponge gourd, is a vining plant that belongs to the cucumber family. It produces long, cylindrical, green fruits that are similar in shape to cucumbers, but with a smoother surface. When the fruits mature and dry out, they can be harvested and peeled to reveal a fibrous interior that is commonly used as a natural sponge for cleaning and exfoliating. The young fruits can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, and are often used in Asian and African cuisines. Luffa gourd is a warm season crop that requires a long growing season, full sun exposure, and well-drained soil. The plant can grow up to 30 feet long, so it is best grown on a trellis or other support structure. Overall, luffas are a unique and versatile plant that can be used for both practical and culinary purposes.
Product Information
Planting Guide
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Sowing and Growing Guide
Luffa Gourd
Indoor Sowing
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Fill seed trays with seed starting mix and sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-3 seeds per cell.
- Keep the soil moist and at a consistent temperature of 70-85°F.
- Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.
- Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to one per cell.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have reached 3-4 inches in height and all danger of frost has passed.
Outdoor Sowing
- Sow seeds directly into the garden once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 65°F.
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart in rows spaced 4-6 feet apart.
- Keep the soil moist and weed-free.
- Thin seedlings when they are 3-4 inches tall, leaving the strongest seedling every 12 inches.
Growing
- Luffa gourds need full sun and consistently warm temperatures to grow well.
- Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater as luffa gourds are susceptible to root rot.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Train the vines to climb trellises or fences to save space and promote good airflow around the plants.
- Harvest luffa gourds when they are 12-15 inches long and the skin has turned brown and feels dry and lightweight.
- Peel off the skin and remove the seeds and fibrous interior to reveal the sponge-like texture of the mature luffa gourd.