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Return of… THE LUFFA! |
8 Comments |
| By Aaron Newton in Education, Green Living, How To, Reminders | April 9, 2007 | ||
Last year I was pleased, and a little amazed, at all the attention we got here at Groovy Green after I posted this story about how to grow your own luffa sponge.
For the third autumn in a row I am pleased to be harvesting my shower sponge for next year. Now I know that must sound like a strange statement but it’s true. Many people are surprised when they find out I grow my own Luffa sponges. “Don’t those come from the sea?”, is the standard question to which I respond that the Luffa is a vegetable you can grow in your very own garden.
The article was so popular I posted follow-up information here.
I thought I’d explain a bit more about the plant and the process of growing it. Luffa aegyptiaca or as it is commonly called, the Loofah, is a vegetable native to South America. It can be eaten when it is smaller.
So this year I thought I’d let our readers follow along as I grow my bath sponge for next year. You too can grow your very own Luffa. If you need seeds try these folks:
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Step one: plant the seeds in pots. Keep them warm and watered until they sprouts. Keep them on a sunny windowsill until all danger of frost has past. But get started soon. It takes a long time to grow a good Luffa. I’ll update here with more information as the growing season goes along.
Rin said,
Thanks for the awesome article last year, as I’ve started my luffas! One of them just sprouted. Yay!
GreenChick said,
So do you grow them in pots the entire time? I have an organic container garden since I live in the city and do not have a yard. Will this work. I’m going to go to the site you suggested and purchase some seeds asap!
Thanks,
GreenChick
aaron said,
GreenChick,
I will transplant my luffa directly into the ground once any chance of frost has past. But I see no reason you couldn’t grow one in a pot. I would suggest a large pot if possible.
Ric said,
I have four vines growing in upstate New York. Any suggestions as what to do to fertilize the luffa.
aaron said,
i have never fertilized mine but i would imagine they use a lot of nitrogen since they grow so many leaves in such a short time. i know worm castings seem to work great as a fertilizer.
Barbara said,
Bought seeds at the Herb Festival in June and planted them before I found this info. Still worked out great! Had 5 seeds and got 5 real nice gourds. Will start indoors next season and should have a great turnout. Thanks for the info!!
mindy said,
my plants were in pots there about 2 feet tall i just transplanted them into the ground and there doing bad, i live in florida, they get plenty of sunlight. they are wilting bad. what do i do?
Ellis said,
Hi, Can the Luffa be grown on a commercial basis, and if so, where is the market for both the spounge and the vagetable.