How to Germinate Luffa Seeds

Growing your own luffa sponge gourds can be very fun and profitable. Luffa gourds require a long growing period - around 110 days. Therefore it is best to start them indoors and then transplant them after the threat of frost has passed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Well-drained soil
• Compost and/or worm castings
• Trellis
• Luffa seeds
• Bowl
• Rain water
• Peat pots such as Jiffy pots

1. Place the luffa seeds in the bowl and cover with rain water. Allow to soak for at least 12 hours.

2. After 12 - 24 hours, plant the seeds in the small peat pots and cover with compost and worm castings.

3. These are often slow to germinate so be very patient. This step can take up to three weeks. Make sure to water as necessary but do not let soil become saturated. Allow to dry between waterings. Place the pots in a warm area with plenty of sunlight.

4. After the second full set of leaves have developed they are ready to transplant outside near a trellis. Space plants 8 - 10 inches apart.

5. Keep the plants well-watered but not saturated. Luffa gourds need plenty of water to develop large healthy fruit. The luffa gourds look similar to cucumbers while hanging on the vine.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the trellis is sturdy because the vines will have several gourds on them which can become quite heavy. A piece of chain link fence is ideal.
• Plant other flowers in your yard to attract pollinating insects.
• Do not plant within 1500 feet of other types of gourds as they will cross pollinate easily contaminating your seed supply for the next year.