How to Grow Loofah Sponge Gourds

Loofah, also spelled Luffa, are in the cucurbit family—along with cucumbers, melons, squash, and other gourds—and grow on long vines. They require a long, hot growing season. For those of us with shorter summers, we recommend starting luffa seeds indoors under grow lights, about a month before the last frost date, and then transplanting into the garden. If you have a long growing season, you can directly sow the seeds in the garden.

Luffa plants produce beautiful yellow flowers. Once flowers are pollinated, the luffa fruit will form quickly. When young and tender, the fruit can be eaten – its flavor and texture are quite similar to zucchini squash. But if you want to grow luffa to make your own bath, kitchen, or craft sponges, leave the fruits to grow big. The longer they grow, the more fibrous their interior gets. If your season is long enough, wait until they turn brown and dry on the vine. In areas with shorter growing seasons, pick the gourds before the first frost and let them dry indoors in an area with good air flow.

The seeds will dry as the luffa dries. When you peel the gourd, shake out the seeds and save them for next season (store them in a cool, dry, dark place until you're ready to plant).

Once peeled, you may need to give the luffa a little more time dry, and then you can use them as a natural exfoliant in the bath, or as a gentle scrubber in the kitchen.