Gourd Seeds, Dishcloth (Edible Luffa)
Dishcloth or Luffa Gourd in various stages on a dark blue background.
Dried Dishcloth or Luffa Gourd hanging on a wooden wall.
Gourd Seeds, Dishcloth (Edible Luffa)
Dishcloth or Luffa Gourd in various stages on a dark blue background.
Dried Dishcloth or Luffa Gourd hanging on a wooden wall.

Gourd Seeds,
Dishcloth (Edible Luffa)

4.157 ReviewsSKU: #AG103
Price
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Min. 20 seeds

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Description

(Luffa aegyptiaca). 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 NY druggists." Tasty cooked like okra when young.

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.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Luffa aegyptiaca
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
130
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

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 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in warm conditions, 75 to 90 F, and transplant carefully once nights stay above 60 F. 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 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

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.

Browse our full range of gourd seeds.

Customer reviews

4.1 / 5 57 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Rampant vines: Vines run 25 feet or more; give them room and a strong trellis.

  • Pollinator magnet: Big yellow flowers keep bees busy late into summer.

  • Prolific producer: A few plants yield a lifetime of sponges once the heat arrives.

  • Loves heat: Thrives in high heat and drought; few pests bother it.

  • Growing tips: Needs a long season; start early indoors and expect a late harvest.

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