Growing your own luffa for natural, completely biodegradable shower or kitchen sponges is a fun project, but, as luffa needs a long hot summer and lots of space, this plant isn’t for every gardener.
Luffa should be planted in a sunny position in the garden that has well-drained soil. The plant needs as much sun as possible and will require lots of space that can accommodate the plant’s size and spread.
What are luffas?
Luffa are the fruit of a vine-like plant that is in the cucumber family.
The edible luffa fruits are cylindrical, smooth and green with longitudinal ridges.
Once the fruits mature, they turn brown and fibrous on the inside and are then often used as biodegradable sponges.
Luffas have been eaten for centuries in Asia and Africa for their health benefits and are now being grown in the United States.
Luffas can be eaten when they are young and tender and have a small, edible seeds.
The immature fruits can be used in salads, stir-fries or can pickled.
The mature fruits can be dried and ground into a powder for use in smoothies, soups or baked goods.
Luffa fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and potassium.
Where can I buy luffa seeds?
It can be quite tricky to find luffa seeds in garden centers or stores and the most reliable source is most likely going to be online from a specialist supplier or from Amazon where you’ll find different varieties of luffa available.
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When should you plant luffa seeds?
Luffa is best sown directly in the garden since to its lengthy growing season and warm temperature requirements.
Starting the seeds indoors would take four to six weeks in a greenhouse-like environment with bright light, which is out of the question for most backyard gardeners.
Sow luffa seeds in well-drained, tilled soil three to four seeds per plant and leave about six feet between the plants in late spring when the soil has reached at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
After sowing cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or compost, press it down lightly to keep the seeds covered and water carefully.
How long does it take for luffa seeds to germinate?
Luffa seeds can take up to two weeks to germinate, depending upon local conditions such as soil temperature, so be patient and water regularly.
Let the seedlings grow until they are about two inches tall and then thin them out, leaving the strongest plant in position.
How do you take care of luffa plants?
Your luffa will need some form of structure or trellis to grow up, so provide one while the plants are still small.
Luffa plants like plenty of water, but be careful not to overwater them or you’ll have a sponge-like plant on your hands (or in your garden).
Fertilize luffa plants every other week with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
If you are growing your luffa in a container or pot, transplant the seedlings when they are about four inches tall into a 12-inch container.
The luffa plant will need plenty of room to grow and the container should have holes in the bottom for drainage.
Use a potting mix that is high in organic matter and keep the soil moist, but not wet.
The luffa plant will be ready to harvest in three to four months.
How do you harvest luffa?
Luffa are ready to harvest when the fruits are brown and the skin is tough.
The fruit can be harvested by cutting the stem just below the fruit with a sharp knife.
If growing in a container, you can also simply pull the entire plant out of the pot and harvest the fruit.
Hang the luffa fruits to dry in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight for two to four weeks.
The dried luffa can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
How do you make a luffa sponge?
Once the luffa fruits are dried, remove the seeds and cut off the skin with a sharp knife.
Soak the luffa in water for about 12 hours and then scrub the fibers with a brush to remove any seeds and pulp.
Give it a good shake to get rid of excess water and then hang in a warm, ventilated space to dry.
The luffa sponge can be used to wash dishes, your body or car.
Final words
Luffa is a unique and versatile vegetable that is worth trying in your garden.
The immature fruits can be used in salads, stir-fries or can pickled.
The mature fruits can be dried and ground into a powder for use in smoothies, soups or baked goods.
Luffa fruits are also excellent for scrubbing dishes, your body or car.
Give luffa a try in your garden this year and enjoy the delicious fruits and sponges they provide.
