Pair of Krobonko Luffa Gourd on a white background.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu and his wife and son holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds in gourd vines.
Krobonko Luffa Gourds in a hand made basket of green leaves in the field in Ghana.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu holding a trio of Krobonko Luffa Gourds in Ghana.
Baker Creek seed grower Mrs. Amuzu holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds in Ghana.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu and his wife holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds.
Solomon Amuzu and his wife holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds at their seed farm in Ghana.
Pair of Krobonko Luffa Gourd on a white background.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu and his wife and son holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds in gourd vines.
Krobonko Luffa Gourds in a hand made basket of green leaves in the field in Ghana.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu holding a trio of Krobonko Luffa Gourds in Ghana.
Baker Creek seed grower Mrs. Amuzu holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds in Ghana.
Baker Creek seed grower Solomon Amuzu and his wife holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds.
Solomon Amuzu and his wife holding a basketful of Krobonko Luffa Gourds at their seed farm in Ghana.

Gourd Seeds,
Krobonko Luffa

45 ReviewsSKU: #AG116Min. seed count: 10
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Description

(Luffa acutangula). Luffa (also spelled Loofah or Loofa). This delightful Ghananian gourd is grown for both its tasty immature fruit slightly sweet and delicious in soups and stews—and its mature luffa sponges. Resembling a large cuke or zucchini with ridges, the young fruit is often used in Ghanaian kitchens in place of eggplant. Its huge vines can reach 20 feet or more; average fruit size is about 12 inches long and 2 to 3 inches across. It likes warm weather.

Growing Tips: Krobonko Luffa gourd is an heirloom variety that thrives in full sun. It grows best in rich, well-draining, fertile soil. Grown much like squash, and thanks to its tough skin, often better at fighting off pests than other cucurbits. Mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Luffa acutangula
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 70 F. Krobonko Luffa thrives in warm temperatures between 75-90 F. Growers with a shorter growing season should start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, using deep pots since luffa resents root disturbance, and set the transplants out only once the soil has warmed. Consult our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources’ if you’re unsure of your last frost date.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Space plants 18-24 inches apart and provide a sturdy trellis to support the long vines. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after the risk of frost has passed.

How to Grow

Water deeply, providing 1-2 inches per week, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Train vines along a trellis to encourage airflow, prevent rot, and make harvesting easier. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the season, switching to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flowering begins. Luffa requires hand pollination if pollinators are scarce. Harvest young fruit when tender for eating or allow them to fully mature and dry on the vine for sponge production.

How to Save Seeds

  • Gourds are easily cross-pollinated, so it is advisable to isolate different seed-saving varieties up to 1/2 mile to ensure seed purity.
  • A minimum of 15 plants of each variety should be grown to avoid inbreeding issues. Harvest fruit before it has dried out when it is still green in color but has developed a tough skin.
  • Scoop seeds to dry; they will remain viable for about 4 years when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

FAQ

Is Krobonko Luffa gourd frost-hardy?

No, it is not frost-hardy and must be grown in warm conditions.

Why are my Krobonko Luffa gourd seeds taking so long to sprout?

Luffa has spotty germination and can take longer to sprout. Soaking seeds in warm water before planting can help speed up germination.

How can I protect my Krobonko Luffa gourd from cucumber beetles?

Use kaolin clay or row covers to prevent damage and the spread of cucumber mosaic virus. Because the vines carry separate male and female flowers that insects must pollinate, take the row covers off once flowering begins, or the plants will not set fruit.

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