Back in 2020, otherwise known as “the year that shall not be named” growing luffa became this sort of garden craze. I have no idea how it got started, but it seemed like everywhere I looked on social media gardening accounts they were talking about growing luffa. Now, if you didn’t jump onto the luffa bandwagon back then or if you’ve not been successful yet in your luffa growing adventures, you are certainly not alone. Luffa needs a really long growing season and it seems that where you are gardening also affects when and how you harvest your luffa. It can be a little persnickety and I’ve found that no two regions seem to grow and mature their luffa in the same manner. It took two years for us to get a successful harvest from our plants but I’ve loved having them in my house now.

So, what is luffa and why should you even bother? As my husband discovered back in 2018, luffa is the sponge you can grow yourself for all kinds of household uses. But, traditionally, luffa is so much more than that and can be a great addition to your garden for lots of reasons. So, let’s dig in to how to grow luffa, with some special tips on growing in areas with shorter growing seasons, and why I’m not growing luffa this year.

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Resources:

Ep. 77 - Five Tips to Successful Seed Starting | Just Grow Something (justgrowsomethingpodcast.com)

Luffa aegyptiaca (Loofah, Luffa Sponge, Sponge Gourd) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)

Luffa - Wikipedia

History of the Luffa, Loofah, Loofa, Loufa, Loofa, Lufa, Luf Sponge – Luffa Gardens

Luffa Facts, Health Benefits and Nutritional Value (healthbenefitstimes.com)

How to Grow a Luffa Sponge Successfully. Even in a cold climate! (theartofdoingstuff.com)