Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

Cucurbitcaea : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
          T            
          P            

(Best months for growing Luffa in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 11-12 weeks. Use as a back scratcher.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
16 Dec 18, Jill green (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where /who can i buy luffa seeds from in new zealand as i wish to try growing some in my tunnel house next season
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Dec 18, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Central Gippsland, is this a combatible climate for loofahs? And do they need much water? Lisa
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the notes here. Warm weather- no frosts.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Dec 18, Leeanne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can i purchase the seed from please
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Dec 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try an on-line search for either luffa or loofah : they are the same plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Oct 18, Karen Robertson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I but in nz tauranga area pse.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Oct 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try on the net - seed selling people. If not try Australia.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Oct 18, EILEEN ZERRENNER (USA - Zone 6a climate)
will lofa grow in my zone?
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Dec 18, Doug (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Very difficult, this plant needs a very long growing season with warm soil, at least 65 F. If you try this, be certain to start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Use biodegradable starting pots and plant out when you are absolutely certain there will not be another frost. Provide full sun for as much of the day as you can. At harvest time wait until fully dried on the vine or if there is a risk of frost, harvest immediately, even if it is still a green pod. Good luck.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Sep 18, Diane Cotman (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can I grow Luffa in Bellingham Washington? What sorts of yields can I expect?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 91 - 100 of 194 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Luffa

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.