Its large yellow blooms attract bees and butterflies and produce gourds when pollinated.
The vines grow up to 30 feet long, with 10-inch long, palm-shaped leaves.
The unique luffa gourd fruits are eaten or dried for use as natural sponges.
Luffa is a large vine that requires ample vertical space.
When selecting a location, take into consideration that it will cast shade on the surrounding plants.
Provide a trellis or posts with wires to allow vining and air circulation.
Luffa that is grown on the ground tends to be curved.
Luffa Plant Care
Light
Luffa needs at least six hours offull sunthe more the better.
however, is key.
Water
Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seedlings are established.
Temperature and Humidity
Luffa needs warm to hot weather.
In cool weather, its growth will slow down.
High humidity is not an issue.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
The plants should have male and female flowers.
A lack of either one is an indicator that the nutrient levels in the soil need adjustment.
Soil high in nitrogen yields more male flowers; soil high in phosphorous produces more female flowers.
Feed the plants a water-soluble, quick-acting fertilizer according to your plant’s output of male vs. female flowers.
Pollination
Crop and fruit production of luffa requires pollination.
The flower blooms for one day and then falls off.
Common cultivars include: ‘Smooth Boy’, ‘Smooth Beauty’, and ‘South Winner.’
There are two other luffa species:
Luffa vs. Snake Gourd
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguinaorT.
cucumerina) is a tropical vegetable widely used in South Indian cuisine.
The fruit is up to 5 feet long and curls as it grows.
It is a climbing vine but unlike luffa, it is grown solely for culinary purposes.
Snake gourd has a waxy skin; it is harvested young and becomes bitter as it ages.
The fruit grows fast, about an inch-and-a-half per day.
Expect about four to six fruits per plant.
To grow luffa for sponges, let them grow about two feet long.
Since luffa is an annual, repotting is not necessary.
Pruning
Trim young plants with sterilized pruners.
To encourage vigorous branching, cut four stems back to the main stem.
How to Grow Luffa From Seed
Luffa is propagated from seed.
Because of its long growing season and warm temperature requirements, it is best seeded directly in your garden.
Overwintering
Luffa are annual plants, living their entire lifespan in one growing season.
These plants do not overwinter since cold temperatures kill the vines.
Rarely, invading pests include cucumber beetles and spider mites.
Practicingcrop rotationand avoiding overhead irrigation helps reduce the spread of disease.
Luffa plants are an annual plant, requiring replanting each year.
Luffa is edible, but it must be harvested young.
It is used in cooking in the same way as zucchini or summer squash.
In colder climates, seeds must be started indoors several weeks before transplanting outside.
Luffa is grown on a trellis, planted 18 inches apart.
Luffa.Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs.
