Luffa (loofah) gourd seeds. Each packet contains 10-15 precious seeds. This is an annual vegetable.
Not only can you eat luffa when it is small and tender but this is also the vegetable where natural luffa sponges come from!
Important:
- Luffa grows on vines that SPREAD a ton. So although you can grow this plant in a pot, it will need room to spread its vines & leaves. Great over a pergola, trellis, or fence.
- ONE plant is enough to take over an entire 6' fence section. So if you plant more than one plant, make sure they are spaced 12" apart.
- Luffa takes a long time to mature on the vine if you are using for sponges. Will need 150-200 days to get there.
These seeds germinate ("sprout") best when soaked and scarified. If you dont then they will take FOREVER to wake up and sprout if at all this season. Soak seeds 12-24 hours in warm water and then gently scarify the seed by "nicking" a portion ofits outer shell. Some people do this with clean nail clippers, I've also scraped an edge of the seed on the asphalt which slightly sands down the edge a little bit. Please look up "scarify" further so you dont accidentally ruin the seed.
Once soaked and scarified, plant 1 seed per cell (spot) 1/2” deep in soil, water gently and keep hydrated until germination. Depending on your growing zone, either start your seeds indoors before your last front or if in warmer zone you can start them outside in a mini DIY greenhouse (basically cover your little pot in plastic). Can take 7-10 days to sprout from the seed. BE PATIENT tho.
Flowers are yellow and a pollinator magnet. Luffa vegetable can grow 2'-3' tall, yes FEET. (see my attached photos)