Organic Loofah Gourd Seeds

This listing is for organic loofah seeds. Sizes of the seeds may vary slightly. Loofahs will grow into a variety of sizes. Our Loofahs average from 9 to 24 inches in size.

Steps:
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks after last frost, or sow directly in soil once the soil is warm. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Loofah Sponge Gourd requires plenty of sunshine to thrive, so select a spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. 

Prepare the soil. Using a trowel or shovel, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. 

Sow the seeds. Sow the Loofah Sponge Gourd seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil, spacing the seeds (or plants if started indoors) 2-3 feet apart. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and gently press down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Water the seeds. Using a gentle sprayer attachment, water the soil well but not excessively, making sure not to wash away the seeds. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7 to 14 days.

Provide support for the plants. Loofah Sponge Gourd plants need support to climb, so install a trellis or support structure near the planting area, or plant close to a fence. As the plants grow, gently train them to climb the trellis or support structure.

Provide proper care. Once the Loofah Sponge Gourd plants have grown to a few inches tall, thin them to one plant per 3 feet of space. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, and avoid overwatering. 

Harvest the gourds. Loofah Gourds are ready to harvest when they reach full maturity and the skin begins to turn brown and dry. Cut the gourds from the vine with a pair of pruning shears, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Peel off the skin and remove the seeds to reveal the fibrous, sponge-like interior. Rinse the sponge in warm water to remove any remaining seeds or debris, and allow it to dry thoroughly before use.

You can soak in a vinegar and water solution and sun dry, if you wish.

That's it! By following these steps, you should be able to successfully plant and grow Loofah Gourd seeds. Happy gardening!

Each package contains at least 20 seeds. Each plant can produce approximately 6-10 Loofah Gourds on average, and each gourd contains dozens to over 100 seeds! 

Loofah (luffa) plants have two uses depending on when they’re harvested. When gourds are picked young—around 4–6 inches long—they are tender and commonly eaten as a vegetable in many cultures. When left to fully mature on the vine, the gourds grow much larger and dry into the natural loofah sponge most people recognize. Many gardeners harvest some early for eating and allow others to fully mature for sponge use.

Why Grow Loofah?

Loofahs can be eaten, or most commonly...they can be used for natural body exfoliation, dish and household cleaning, gardening, and DIY projects. They’re a plastic-free, biodegradable alternative to synthetic sponges and can be composted at the end of their life. Growing your own loofah is a simple, sustainable way to reduce waste while creating something useful from your garden.

Listing is for seeds only. Loofah sponge not included. Packaging may be different than pictured.

Shipping is included in the price of the loofah seeds.