Durgan

8 April 2008 Repotting Luffah seedlings. 8 April 2008 Repotting luffah seedlings.

The seeds were planted in a pot covered with a clear plastic bag 21 March 2008. All seeds germinated. These seeds were from my 2006 stock, since I didn't get any good seeds in 2007.

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Durgan Zone 5B
http://eesoos.notlong.com

smgardener

I've never had Luffa -- are you growing it for eating?

Durgan

Apparently this fruit can be utilized for food similiar to zucchini, but I only use it to make 'Sponges', and for the lush vegetation.


This is consolidated information about growing luffah from transplanting to sponge making. My own experience.

25 May 2006 Loofah plants 2006 Trellis and transplanted into garden 25 May 2006

Loofah plants were put outdoors today 25 May 2006. These three plants were started in February in the basemant, and put in my small greenhouse in late March. The seeds are germinated by placing three in a 3 inch pot sharp end down about the same depth as the seed pod and enclosing in a zip lock bag. The seeds germinate in about 14 days, then the two weaker plants are cut off at ground level. It takes about 180 days to produce a ripe product for sponge making in my zone 5.

The trellis network is in full sun and about eight feet high about eight feet wide by sixteen feet long. The structure is from common materials purchased in a building supply, fence posts, concrete reinforcing wire, and plastic ties. The soil is compost, clay and wood chips, which is well drained.

18 June 2006 Luffah
18 June 2006. Update on the Luffah plants. Four plants are thriving and there are some fruiting bodies.

24 June 2006 Luffah Update Luffah update.
24 June 2006. The fruiting bodie's size can be judged by the mesh in the background, which is 6 sq. inches. The dead branch on the left of the third picture was caused by bird droppings on the junction with the main trunk. I suggest the chemical reaction caused damage.

7 July 2006
7 July 2006 Luffah Progress
Loofah Progress 7 July 2006. One vine was lost for some unknown reason, but about four are doing well. One fruiting body is about 15 inches in length, and there are others forming.

21 July 2006 Luffah
21 July 2006. The luffah plants are coming into their own. It rained yesterday, and all plants are now thriving.

30 July 2006 Loofah Plants
30 July 2006. Luffah are growing well.

22 August 2006 Making First Luffah Sponge
23 August 2006. Pictures of making my first Luffah sponge. One fruit was ripe so I made a sponge. Neena, my Pomeranian dog, was very interested in the proceedings. I got a total of 14 sponges, some fruit didnt dry, since we had a very wet fall season.

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Durgan Zone 5B
http://eesoos.notlong.com