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
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