Luffa Sponge Gourd Seeds, 10 Seeds

This is a seed packet, not a growing kit: compost, pot and climbing frame are up to you. The growing instructions are printed on the back.

• 10 luffa sponge gourd seeds (Luffa aegyptiaca, syn. Luffa cylindrica)
• Minimum shelf life of the seed: 2 years
• Sowing depth 1 to 2 cm in seed compost
• Germination at 20 to 25 °C after 2 to 3 weeks
• Annual climber, planting distance at least 50 cm
• Sponges ready to harvest in early autumn

Roughen the hard seed coat with a file and soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. Set them 1 to 2 cm deep in seed compost and keep it moist but not wet, ideally with a daily misting. Cover the container with perforated clear film and air it two hours every second day.

A bright, warm spot at 20 to 25 °C suits them, and germination follows after 2 to 3 weeks. Then take the cover off and keep the seedlings cooler, with plenty of light but no harsh midday sun, so they do not get spindly.

Plant out only when night frosts are over. Luffa wants warmth, full sun and shelter: a small greenhouse is ideal, and a large planter on a sheltered terrace or a wind-free balcony works too. With its long tendrils the plant needs a climbing frame and at least 50 cm of space.

Keep the soil loose, rich in humus and constantly moist, water more in dry spells and feed a liquid vegetable fertiliser every 4 to 6 weeks.

Harvest for sponges in early autumn, when the long fruits turn yellow and the skin breaks under light pressure. Peel them, cut the ends off generously, soak them in water for several days, wash out flesh and seeds under running water, then dry the fibre skeleton for a few days somewhere warm and airy.

Hard and rough when dry, the white mesh softens in water: use it for skincare, as a compostable household sponge or in strips as a soap rest.

Have the file and a glass of water ready on sowing day, and set up the climbing frame before the plants go out. To try luffa as a vegetable, pick a few fruits while young and unripe: raw, they recall courgette. The packet makes a good spring gift for garden lovers.

How many seeds are in the packet? The packet contains 10 luffa sponge gourd seeds.

Are compost and a pot included? No, you receive the seed packet only; compost, a container and a climbing frame come separately.

Do I need a greenhouse? A small greenhouse is ideal, but a large planter on a sheltered terrace or wind-free balcony also works.

How does a fruit become a sponge? Peel it, cut off the ends, soak it several days, wash out flesh and seeds, then dry the skeleton somewhere warm and airy.

Can the fruits be eaten? Yes, fruits picked young and unripe can be used raw like cucumber and taste similar to courgette.