loofah gourd - grow your own sponges
loofah / luffa
Make bathtimes ‘home-grown’ with these Loofah seeds! Grown very much like a cucumber, the tender, tendril-climbing vine has...
approx 10 seeds
£3.49
available to order from spring
1
Plant description
Make bathtimes ‘home-grown’ with these Loofah seeds! Grown very much like a cucumber, the tender, tendril-climbing vine has rough-textured leaves typical of cucurbits, and bright yellow flowers from which the ovoid fruits with spiny ridges begin to form. Young fruits can be eaten like courgettes but if left to mature, the skin can be picked off, the seeds removed, and the fibrous body used as an abrasive sponge. Grow in a warm, humid environment for best results.
Eventual height & spread
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Frost tender
Growing instructions:
Sow two seeds 2cm (1") deep, using a good quality seed compost, to a 10cm pot in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. For best results, germinate (up to 21 days) in a heated propagator 25-28C (77-82F) and keep moist, but not wet. Pot on seedlings as they grow, keeping them well-watered and warm, then harden off and plant out into a greenhouse bed or rich soil in a sunny, sheltered spot at 50cm apart after all threat of frost has passed. Plants will need supports to scramble up (netting/canes). Limit each plant to 5-6 fruit to encourage larger loofahs to form. Protect plants from slugs and water thoroughly in dry spells.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, except young fruit; don't eat if bitter
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