Angled Sponge Gourd Vegetable Seeds

LUFFA ‘Angled Sponge Gourd’ Vegetable Seeds

Botanical Name: Luffa aegyptiaca
Other names: Smooth luffa, Egyptian cucumber, loofah, vegetable sponge

• Use as a natural, plastic-free sponge.
• Produces long, ridged fruits (30–45 cm) that are tender and edible when young.
• Fully mature fruits can be dried to create biodegradable bath and kitchen sponges.
• Fast-growing climbing vine reaching 3–5 metres with strong vertical support.
• Popular in many Asian cuisines—ideal for curries, stir-fries, and soups.
• Thrives in hot, humid climates with long growing seasons.
• Performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent warmth and moisture.

Plant Details

• Plant Type: Annual climber in temperate zones; short-lived perennial in tropical climates
• Plant Height: Vines can reach 3–5 m or more with adequate support

Sowing Information

• Germination: 7–14 days (optimal soil temperature: 25–30°C)
• Depth: 2–3 cm deep
• Position: Full sun
• Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or large containers; thin to strongest seedlings
• Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost; pH 6.0–7.5
• Spacing: 60–90 cm between plants, rows 100–150 cm apart

Growing Tips

• Soak seeds in warm water overnight before sowing to speed up germination.
• Install a strong trellis, arch, or netting early to support heavy vines.
• Keep soil consistently moist and mulch around the base to retain water.
• Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser every 2–3 weeks to support flowering and fruiting.
• Harvest young fruits (15–20 cm) for cooking. Pick frequently to encourage ongoing fruit set.
• Leave fruits on the vine for 120+ days to mature fully into fibrous, sponge-like interiors.

Harvest

60–75 days after sowing for eating; allow 120+ days for drying and sponge production. Mature fruits will dry on the vine and turn brown before harvesting for loofahs.

When to Sow Angled Sponge Gourd in Your Climate