Gourd (Luffa)

Botanical Interests Heirloom Gourd (Luffa)

Luffas are great for scrubbing your back, washing dishes, cleaning the barbeque grill, and much, much more! Grow your own supply of sponges and give some as gifts! The 12–24 inch long gourds are so interesting to watch develop in the garden. Vigorous vines can reach 20 feet; grow on a trellis or fence.

Sowing Information:

• When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks after the average last frost, and when the soil temperature is above 60°F.
• When to Start Inside: Recommended for cold climates: 2 to 4 weeks before the average last frost. Roots sensitive to disturbance; sow into biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the ground.
• Seed Depth: ½ inch
• Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12–18 inches
• Thinning: When 1 inch tall, thin to 1 every 12–18 inches
• Days to Germinate: 10–25 days
• Days to Maturity: 110 days

Growing Notes:

• Harvesting: Hard-shelled gourds should remain in the garden as long as there is any life left in the vines. Some gourd growers leave gourds in the garden during the winter, which adds to their characteristics for craft projects. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem leading to the gourd, leaving 1–3 inches of stem for a handle.
• Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual