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Luffa Sponge Gourd

Luffa Sponge Gourd

$2.75 USD
$2.75 USD
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Luffa Sponge
Luffa aegyptiaca

130 days — 'Luffa Sponge' gourd is also known as 'Dishrag Gourd', 'Dishcloth Gourd' and 'Vegetable Sponge'. The fruit typically reach twelve to fifteen inches long at maturity but can reach thirty inches. When young (under six inches) they are eaten like a summer-type squash. At maturity and after being dried, they can then be peeled, cleaned and used as fibrous kitchen, bath, or exfoliating scrubbers.

Since 'Luffa Sponge' gourds require a very long, hot growing season to reach maturity, gardeners in most areas will need to start the plants indoors using peat or other biodegradable pots. Plant out in well manured, fertile soil. Each packet contains three grams, which is about 25 seeds.
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Planting Instructions: Choose a location that has warm, well-drained and fertile soil. Work in plenty of organic matter and mulch to conserve moisture, as gourds are heavy water consumers.

Sow directly in garden after threat of frost has passed. Seed will not germinate if soil is too cold. Sow one inch deep in hills or rows spaced 24 to 30 inches apart.

These plants are grown like winter squash and require a lot of space and a long season for the fruits to reach full size.
Informational References:
  1. "Luffa Sponge Gourds: A Potential Crop for Small Farms," by Jeanine M. Davis and Charles D. DeCourley, pages 560-561 in J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.), "New Crops," Wiley, New York, 1993.

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