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Luffa

Luffa Cylindrica

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Variety

Luffa Cylindrica

Type

Sponge Gourd

Growing Conditions

Greenhouse, although outdoors can be done too

Plant Height

300cm

Plant Spread

30-45cm

Plant on/out

After risk of last frost has passed

Sow

Feb (I tend to do Valentine's)

Harvest

When completely dried on the vine

Position

Full sun

Growing this year?

Yes

Tasting notes and description

Fruits are also edible if harvested when young. I might try that this year (2025 as I have so many plants now)

Uses

The cucumber-like fruit dry out as they mature, leaving a fibrous core which you can use as an exfoliating sponge or kitchen scourer. Cut them into disks and make little soaps out of them or leave whole as a shower sponge/scrubber

Growing Habit

Vining