Luffa Heirloom Gourd
Luffa aegyptiaca
LUFF-uh ee-JIP-tih-kuh
Edibles: Fruiting Vegetable
Dishcloth Gourd
Min. Temp
Very Tender: 38°
These gourds have many purposes. The young fruit are good cooked and used in salads, the immature fruits are good stir fried, and the mature gourds can be dried for use as sponges. Yes, the luffa that you know as a sponge IS actually a gourd! Luffa gourd seeds are one of the most interesting - and practical - varieties that can be grown in the garden.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Yellow
Blooming Time
Mid Summer - Fall
Habit
Vining
Height
60–96 in
Spread
60–96 in
Form
Ornamental
Characteristics
Type
Heirloom
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Fast
Tolerance/Resistance
Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Sandy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Heavy Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Early Summer
Micronutrients
Magnesium (Mg)
Care
Care Level
Moderate
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Monoecious--pollination required
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Do Not Divide
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
85 Days
Fruit Size
Large
Fruit Characteristics
Sweet
Ploidy
Diploid