Grow your very own natural sponges. These unique gourds develop into fibrous, sponge-like structures, perfect for eco-friendly bathing and  household use.  They have a habit much like cucumbers  and are real heat lovers.
 
When to Sow: Feb - May
 
HOW TO SOW LUFFA: 
Seeds have a hard outer coating and benefit from preparation before sowing. Carefully nick the seed coat using nail clippers or a file — just a tiny snip on the edge of the seed, avoiding the inner embryo.
Wrap the seeds in damp (not dripping) kitchen paper, place inside a sealed polybag or container, and keep somewhere warm at around 22–25°C. Check daily. Once a small white root appears (usually within 4–10 days), gently plant the sprouted seed 1.5–2cm deep into individual 9cm pots of moist seed compost.
Keep warm and well-lit. Do not allow seedlings to get cold. Plant out only once all frost risk has passed and night temperatures remain above 10°C.Grow in a greenhouse for best results and provide a framework for stems to grow over.  
 
Classification: Half Hardy Annual
Expert Level:  Medium
Germination Time: 1-2 Weeks
Harvest Time: Aug - Oct
 
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Chalk/ Sand/ Loam
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well drained/moist
Care: Keep well watered and feed regularly.  Pinch main stem when 4 sets of leaves have formed to encourage branching.
Use: Edible & Ornamental
Harvest: young for edible fruits and for ornamental use wait until the skin turn brown and the fruit feels light . Remove the outser skin and seeds, leaving a fibrous core  which will need to be washed  prior to use.
 
Days to Maturity:  120 Days
Feed: Blanced fertilizer + Tomato feed once fruits have set
Height: 3m
Plant Spacing:  30cm