FREE: 10 Loofah Seeds

The listing, 10 Loofah Seeds has ended.

How to Grow:
Step 1
Pick a spot to grow your luffa gourd. A sturdy trellis about 5 to 6 feet high along the back of the planting area, which receives full sun is perfect. A fence or arbor also provides good support for the sponge vine.

Step 2
Once danger of frost has passed, plant the luffa gourd in a hole that has 50% of an all-organic compost. Avoid over watering established luffa plants, as excessive moisture, especially in clay soils, can cause root diseases and poor growth.

Step 3
Remove all the first flowers that appear and the first four lateral branches of each plant to increase the yield and quality of fruit.

Step 4
Harvest luffa sponges when they have matured on the vine, usually around the end of fall. Look for lightweight fruit with dry, dark yellow or brown skin. Leave the fruit on the vine as long as possible, but remove all luffa gourds immediately after the first frost or they will begin to rot.

Step 5
Harvest when the gourd is dry, striking the luffa pod against a hard surface will loosen the skin and seeds. Slightly crushing the sponges can also loosen the skin.

Step 6
The bottom tip of the gourd can be cut off and many of the seeds can be shaken out before peeling. Use your thumbs to find a loose spot along a seam. Push in to create a tear and pull apart the skin. Tear up the seam.

Step 7
Washing with soapy water in a bucket and then spraying is another option. Squeeze and shake out excess water. If your luffa fiber is very dark, or has many dark spots, soaking in a bucket of water with one cup of bleach for 3 to 5 gallons of water will remove most stains. Don't bleach longer than necessary. Rinse well.

Step 8
Finally, allow the luffa sponge to dry completely in the sun. Make certain sponges are completely dry before storing or mold may grow on any remaining sap.