Luffa

(Luffa aegyptiaca) - Certified Organic Seed - Grown at Greenpatch Organic Seeds

Luffa is a climbing vine that prefers to grow on a trellis. Large yellow flowers set long gourd like fruit that can be eaten like a marrow when young. Luffa is primarily grown to use as a bathroom sponge and scrubber. Prefers full sun position in fertile soil.

How to Grow

Luffa is a fast growing annual vine that prefers a very fertile full sun position. Luffa needs warm weather so only grow during spring and summer. Sow seeds into pots and transplant to the garden at 8cm tall. You can sow direct into the garden if soil temperature is warm enough (20^o+). Luffa does require a strong structure to climb on such as wire, verandah or timber fence. It is beneficial to guide the young tendrils onto your trellis to get them started. 

Sow after last frost - Spring/summer.

Sow in pots then transplant to the garden at 8cm high

Seed packet contains 25 seeds

10 seeds/gram.

120 days to harvest

Uses

Young fruits can be harvested and used in soups, stews etc. It is typically found in Indian, Chinese and Philipino cusine and recommended to peel the fruit before cooking in boiling water. 

Luffa can also be left on the plant until they are mature and allowed to dry off. It is critical to keep them hanging until they are completely dry otherwise they can rot. Once dried peel the skin off the then shake the seeds out. You will be left with a luffa sponge that is excellent for general cleaning, use in the shower, exfoliating etc.