Luffa cylindrica

Description

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Genus: Luffa

Species:

Luffa, Sponge Gourd

Well known vine in the pumpkin family produces fruit that is edible when young. When fully ripe, and after cleaning and drying, the elongated fruit can be used as a natural sponge. The plant is easy to grow and responds to exactly the same care as cucumbers or pumpkins. Luffa gourds have a long growing season of 100 to 180 frost-free days until harvest. If you live in an area with a short growing season, you can start seeds indoors four weeks prior to transplanting outdoors. Easy to grow.

Reproduction: By seed

Pre-treatment: Soak seeds in warm water overnight before planting.

Sowing: In the spring, at a depth of 2-3 cm

Germination: Temperature 20-25 ° C, germinates in 7-14 days

Location: Direct light, moderate humidity

Hardiness zone:- , Does not tolerate frost