Luffa (Luffa aegyptiaca) is a dual-purpose vine that produces gourds you can harvest young for cooking or let mature to dry into natural sponges. These are heirloom, non-GMO seeds sourced in the USA. Each pack contains 40 seeds.
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Heirloom and non-GMO - Open-pollinated variety you can save seed from year to year.
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USA sourced - Seeds are grown and packed in the United States.
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40 seeds per pack - Enough to start a productive planting with extras for succession sowing.
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Dual-purpose harvest - Pick gourds young (6 to 8 inches) to use like zucchini, or leave them to fully mature and dry for natural loofah sponges.
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Suitable for all experience levels - Straightforward to grow with the planting instructions included in the pack.
Growing Tips
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Start indoors: Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost. Luffa needs a long growing season, typically 150 to 200 days to full maturity.
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Soil temperature: Seeds germinate best when soil is between 70 and 85 degrees F. Soaking seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting can speed sprouting.
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Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors after all frost danger has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees F.
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Support: Luffa vines grow vigorously and can reach 10 to 15 feet. Provide a sturdy trellis or fence for the vines to climb.
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Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 5 to 6 feet apart.
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Watering: Water consistently and deeply, especially during flowering and fruit set. Mulching helps retain moisture.
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Harvesting for sponges: Leave gourds on the vine until the skin turns brown and feels light. Peel away the outer skin, shake out the seeds, and rinse the fibrous interior.
