Grow Loofah
Loofah sponges are also known as dishrag, sponge or loofah gourds and are used for cleaning, stuffing material and if small enough, eating. Like most gourds, loofahs require a long growing season to mature. Loofahs also require trellis or fence to grow on after the roots are established. Loofahs are harvested in the fall just before the first frost in most areas.
Items:
Loofah seed
Peat pots
Potting soil
Large garden space
Trellis or fence
Mulch
One
Plan to start your seeds indoors in the late winter. Because loofahs take a long time to mature, you will want to have the seedlings ready to transplant in the spring.
Two
Fill peat pots half full with potting soil and place 1 loofah seed in each pot. Cover with 1/2 inch of additional potting soil. Water the peat pots and place in a warm area of your home.
Three
Transplant the loofah seeding to your garden space after all danger of frost has passed in your area. Create hills or mounds six feet apart and place 2 or 3 plants in each hill.
Four
Train the loofah plants to the trellis or fence as they grow by stringing the vines trough the fencing or trellis slats.
Five
Mulch the plants heavily during the mid-summer to help them retain moisture when watered.
Six
Harvest the loofahs when the stems turn yellow and the skins are dry.
Seven
Set the harvested loofahs in a single layer to dry. They are fully dry when the skins turn leathery and brown. This will take approximately 2 weeks.
Eight
Soak the loofahs in warm water overnight to help make peeling the skins from the sponges easier. Dry the peeled loofahs in the sun. This will also help to bleach the color of the sponges to a light tan.
Words to the Wise:
If you soak the seeds for up to 2 days before planting, they will germinate faster.
Loofah vines can grow to 15 feet or longer and will take over a garden if not trellised in some fashion.
Loofahs love full sun and fertile soil. Add compost to the hills before planting to encourage maximum growth.
