It is getting close to harvest time for the Luffas. I planted 1 on each end of a 16 foot cattle panel. They have taken over the top half of the fence. I started the seed inside last March. These were slow to start as the need the day length to shorten. The needed more heat also. I am in Zone 5b Missouri. If I were farther south I would have had more female flowers and already harvested them. But I hope before a frost I will get them to dry on the vine.
This is a smaller one that may not get big enough to turn into a sponge. So I may try eating it. It is in the family of squash and cucumbers. But, more closely related to a cucumber. I have heard the skin tastes like a green bean. I have seen it used as a face treatment, or cleanser. But Will let you know, when I try it.
NAME:
Luffa (Sponge) Gourd
OTHER
COMMON NAMES: Vegetable Sponge / Smooth Luffa
/ Sponge Luffa / Climbing Okra / Dishrag Gourd
SCIENTIFIC
NAME: Luffa Cylindrica
COLOR:
Green
PLANT
SEEDS: Outdoors after frost / Indoors weeks
before last frost
HARVEST:
60 Days
HARDINESS
ZONE: N/A
PLANT
HEIGHT: 48 - 72"
PLANT
SPACING: 5 - 6'
LIGHT
REQUIREMENTS: Sun
SOIL
& WATER PREFERENCES: Average
QUANTITY:
I had 25 Seeds
OTHER:
The Luffa Gourd is an open pollinated variety.
You just allow the gourd to dry & peel off the skin to reveal
the sponge. How cool is that?
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