Luffa is a typical terrestrial member of the cucumber family also known as a sponge gourd. It is grown as an edible vegetable. This plant is native to India and China and can be eaten when smaller, no more the 4 in (9cm) long. The fruit of a luffa plant can pickled like cucumbers. Left to fully mature for 4 to 5 month and the fruit can be used as sponges. The plant grows best in warmer climates.

Ideal Site- Luffa prefers a sunny location with moisture retentive soil. These plants are natural climbers and can grow up to 15ft (5m). Apply a medium soil improver to the site prior planting.

Seed to Harvest.- 90 days for eating or pickling fruit, up to 150 days to use fruit as sponges

Cultivation- when starting luffa undercover sow 6 weeks before the last frost. Sow in 2 ½ - 3 ½ ((6-9cm) pots with the seed sown on its side. Thin to on plant per pot. Once germinated keep light and warm 55-61F (13-16C)

When planting directly outdoors put cloches in place several week in advance to warm the soil. Plant out in June in a slight mound about 1 ½ in (4cm) to help keep the stem above the ground and therefore dry and free from rot. Water in rather than firming the soil.

Plant Care- Protect from cold weather. As flowering starts allow pollinating insects access to plants or hand pollinate if growing undercover. Water regularly. Feed plants grown in containers with a high potash organic fertilizer once flowers have set

Pinch out the growing tip of each flowering shoot about 2 leaves beyond the flower. Leave 4 to 5 fruit of uniform size per plant picking of the rest at grape size.

Spacing- luffa on the ground 3 to 5 ft x 5 ft (1 to 1.5 m x 1.5 m)
Trained up stakes or netting 15 in (38cm) single cordon 24in (60cm) for double cordon.

Harvesting- Cut fruits once large enough checking regularly for hidden fruit. Fruit should be no more the 4 in (10cm) for eating. To use fruit as sponges allow fruit to mature for 4 to 5 months. Luffa should be eaten shortly after picking as the fruit quickly becomes tough.

Problems- Aphids, cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and squash vine borer.

Nutrients- Luffa is a good source for Vitamin D, E, B-6, magnesium, fiber, folate, niacin, as well containing smaller amounts of zinc, copper, calcium, iron and thiamin and riboflavin.