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Gourd Seeds, Dishcloth (Edible Luffa)
(Luffa aegyptiaca). Whether you spell it 'loofah,' 'luffa,' or 'loofa,' these gourds are tasty cooked like okra when young, and the mature fruits, when dried, make excellent sponges. Burpee’s 1888 catalog said, “A natural dishcloth, and a most admirable one. Many people prefer this as a dishcloth. The fruit grows about 2 feet, and the vine is very ornamental, producing clusters of yellow blossoms, in pleasing contrast with the silvery-shaded, dark green foliage. In the north, this variety requires starting in a hotbed. The dried interiors of these gourds have already become an article of commerce; grown in Florida, they are sold by Philadelphia and New York druggists.”
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130 days to maturity
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8-12 hours of full to partial sun
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Sprouts in 3-10 days
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Seed Depth: 1”
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Plant Spacing: 18-24"
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Ideal Temperature: 75-90 F
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Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips
Dishcloth gourds need a long growing season and warm temperatures to thrive. They grow similarly to squash but need a sturdy trellis or support system, as the vines can reach 10-30 feet in length. Applying a thick layer of mulch is very important to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide the plants with rich soil and a lot of heat.
When to Grow
In long-season areas, sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed to about 70 F. For short-season growers, start seeds indoors three weeks before the last frost to extend the growing period. If you are not sure how to find your local frost dates, check out our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’
How to Sow and Plant
Dishcloth gourd seeds need warm soil to germinate, with an ideal temperature of 75-90 F. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant seedlings into the garden, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Since luffa plants produce long, sprawling vines, provide a trellis or strong support structure to keep the gourds off the ground.
How to Grow
Water regularly to support the fast growth of the Dishcloth gourd, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Although this plant is more resistant to pests than other squash relatives, it can be affected by cucumber beetles and squash bugs. To protect plants, apply kaolin clay, attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, and manually remove pests if necessary. Proper pollination is crucial for fruit production, so if bees are scarce, consider hand-pollinating the flowers.
How to Save
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Gourds are easily cross-pollinated, so it is advisable to isolate different seed-saving varieties up to 1/2 mile to ensure seed purity.
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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.
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Scoop seeds to dry; they will remain viable for about 4 years when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
FAQ
Can I eat Dishcloth gourds?
Yes! Young luffa gourds (under 6 inches long) are tender and edible, often used in stir-fries and soups. Once they mature, they develop a tough, fibrous interior and are no longer edible.
Why aren’t my Dishcloth gourds seeds sprouting?
Luffa seeds have slow and uneven germination, sometimes taking up to three weeks. To speed up germination, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting and ensure soil temperatures are 75-90 F.
How do I turn Dishcloth gourds into sponges?
Once fully matured and dried on the vine, peel off the outer skin, remove the seeds, and rinse the fibrous interior. The resulting sponge can be used for dishwashing, bathing, or cleaning.
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