Luffa Sponge Gourd Seeds - Luffa Cylindrica - Easy to Grow Vegetable Garden

This open-pollinated gourd variety is also called Vegetable Sponge and Dishcloth Gourd because the skin can be peeled off after it has been cured, to reveal a usable sponge! Vigorous, rapidly growing vines form gourds that can be harvested over a long time period, with the first harvest at about 60 days.
The origin of gourds has been a subject of debate for decades. Archaelogical findings seem to show that Asia first domesticated the gourd for use as a container, though Africa and several island nations such as Polynesia and New Zealand also have an early history of using gourds as fishing floats, bottles, or musical instruments. Recent research shows that North America's gourds are nearly as old as those of Asia, which seems to suggest that early peoples who settled in the New World brought gourds with them.

Sowing: Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their squash seeds indoors a month before the last expected frost. Since squashes do not take well to transplanting, peat pots are the best option. Plant two seeds per pot, later clipping off the weaker seedling. Harden the seedlings by exposing them to the weather for several hours at a time during the week before transplanting. About a week after the last frost or when the soil temperature reaches an average of 65 degrees F, plant the seedlings in very rich soil 8-10' apart in rows 10-12' apart. Another option is to plant the seedlings in hills of two, 8-10' apart. To direct sow, plant the seeds when the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F. Plant them 1/2" deep, 3-4' apart and thin to 8-10' apart. For companion planting benefits, plant squashes along with corn but avoid planting them with potatoes.

Growing: Since squash seedlings do not tolerate frost, provide protective coverings if the temperature drops below 65 degrees F. Keep the soil moist at all times, but avoid getting the leaves wet as this can cause diseases such as rot or mildew. When the vines begin to develop, a layer of mulch will help conserve moisture and control weeds; mulch also will keep the squashes clean and protect them from too much soil contact. Scallop Yellow Bush squashes have compact growth habits.

Harvesting: These squashes generally taste best when harvested at a diameter of 2-3". The vines produce abundantly throughout the summer; the squashes keep well in the refrigerator for about two weeks and freeze well.