How to Grow & Process LUFFA/LOOFAH Gourds | Every Step Explained

We walk you through how to start Luffa/loofa from seed, how to grow luffa/loffa, how long it takes, and lastly how to harvest and process the luffa/loofa for use as a sponge!
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[@tinac4780]

I know I'm not the only one that sees how much love is in this family. He looks at her like she is the most amazing person. And she has such a friendly and wholesomeness about her. Very down to earth. I subscribed and can't wait for a ton more tutorials!

[@skyebailey3845]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Rebecca-qx1et]

I noticed that...it's beautiful 😍 ❤ ♥ 💕

[@FireDude13]

These folks are the kind of people you love having as friends! In their videos they are always positive - no doom and glooming (or as my grandma used to say 'stinkin thinkin'). Such a joy to watch.

[@luimtz2234]

Is it just me-or is there any one else, that feels like they are actually holding a real conversation with us?

[@arianrian4444]

Yes! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marycountry]

They feel like old friends😊

[@joant8641]

They are my go to family now when this world starts dragging me down. They are amazing and I love listening to them.

[@hlegler]

They both have the happiest, sweetest smiles!! Love!!

[@MustangSally7259]

That s fascinating. Show us one after you bleach and cut for gifts.

[@creech444]

People that make soap would definitely love these. People do the round soap where you have a Louffa slice in a round mold and pour the soap in to set. Also, all the little odd n end bits you can run through the food processor, and the shredded Louffa is mixed in homemade soaps as an exfoliant.

[@sarahmannluker7528]

Thanks for showing the process. I've seen people cut them into discs, then put them in a round mold, and then pour their homemade soap into the mold. So many cool ideas you shared. Again, thank you!

[@appalachianmercantile]

You know we are all going to ask you to bring luffa seeds to the Harvest Celebration. LOL I put them in my soap when I make soap. You lay it in the mold and pour the soap on it.

[@jujube2407]

This is what my 7 yr old wants to do for next Christmas... grow them...and then make the soap!

[@pamelasierzan7838]

I really enjoyed this video and how you both spoke and listened to each other. Thank you for all you do.

[@journeywithnancy]

I slice mine and use as a veggy scrubber, carrots, potatoes

[@TOMMYBITESHOMESTEAD]

This was a great video, where do you find the seeds for them. I want to start growing those

[@homesteadinnorway]

What a cute family you are! Thank you for all the information about Loofah, I will definitely try them out (ordered seeds last night), but I am based in Norway (waaaaay colder than Kentucky, haha!) So, hopefully I will be able to grow them under growlights, and then outside in a warm place! :)

[@momsyusa5053]

Hi Stivers! I am in Kentucky as well and grew Luffa for first time, too. I hear you on wondering about the fruit. I waited and waited. I kept thinking what is wrong, this seed must be bad. My take on when to peel is a little different. Mine grew on the ground, I have tried peeling at different stages. I actually really like the green stage where its hard. They peel really easy. They are still tender inside but I found that washing and cleaning them and letting them dry out for several days lets them harden. I like them when they are white and clean looking. I feel like when they get brown they have that brown look some look moldy as well. I do cure mine for out 2 weeks after picking in the green stage. When you wash them they have a soapy sudsy feel. Makes me wonder if the Indians used them with that soapy feel. It takes several washes under the water and loosing the seed to get them ready to sit and dry, but they come out beautiful and ready for the shower or kitchen sink. So, glad to see this on here today. I will keep the seed in the brown loofah for next year.

[@lauriesickles5393]

Interesting that they can grow on the ground too, may try that.

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

First video I've watched of y'alls and omg you two are so adorable!!!! Wonderful and helpful video! #NewSubscriber

[@terrinewton39]

I think it was on a Living Traditions Homestead video that I watched where Sarah grew and processed lufas too. I don’t think I could grow them here in Michigan unless I built a glass heated greenhouse. Such a long process.

[@Candylandavenue1]

Terri Newton you absolutely can grow loofah!! I planted my loofah from seed in mid-July & just harvested mine last night. In my experience, it's always best to direct sow seeds, especially the cucurbitae family, they do not like being transplanted at all & that can always stunt your crop. I think that may be why it took the Stivers loofah so long to grow.

[@Qwazier3]

The crazy weather we had in PA this year, I can't see that I could grow those loofahs without a greenhouse situation too. The wind, rain and cold had my gardening at a standstill till mid June. Everything was late getting in. I almost gave up.

[@auntlouise]

"You grew a Loofa? I thought those grew in the ocean?" My father told me that they grow in the ocean, so I'm pretty excited to grow some and send them to my family, no ocean required! Thanks for another awesome video!

[@charlottesmart750]

Yes please do a video on cheap grow lights, and if you can please explain the wattage for growing I'm so lost HELP

[@shielataylor7106]

As a soap maker buying loofah's gets very expensive. I'm going to try to grow my own next year. Thank You for explain everything.

[@jehsdca]

What an educational video! Now we can grow and harvest our own luffa. Thank you! I like your idea of gifting the luffas also!

[@thebarkerhomestead]

I love this video, but I also love that Zach said, "warsh rag"! People always tease me about saying "warsh" instead of wash. Lol It's a southern thing. ❤ But seriously I love y'all! And y'all have inspired us to plant our 1st fall garden! 😊

[@sorlenna]

After you warsh it, you gotta wrench it. :)

[@karenhernke281]

I caught on to that too. I love hearing that because up in Wisconsin we dont say that. I love jen and zach's accents!❤

[@ginajust-me2445]

Thanks..2 years now, I've tried to grow these now..I feel more confident.. Got my seeds..I might start them now in biodegradable pots in the next 2 weeks here in Missouri.. Again thank you.

[@nancyrichter3016]

I think the name Loofah "sponge" makes people think they grow in the ocean.

[@FireDude13]

The cat at the beginning.. did not look amused at being woke up! I think people assume luffas come from the ocean because a lot of people call them a luffa sponge... and people associate natural sponges with the ocean. But... what do I know... lol! Thanks for sharing! 🤠

[@jujube2407]

My 7 yr old is expecting 2 or 3 seeds in the mail from a seed swap... spending all super bowl Sunday watching all the "luffa shows" on you tube with momma! Now let's all pray the mailman doesn't lose the pkg!

[@H2Oto369]

I love how the western world is fascinated by lufa. It’s the ONLY thing we know. The most unfortunate person would be the one to take the first bath with her Lufa. Lol. We also cut it lengthwise to have the rough side exposed so it would be like a flat kinda lufa. I’m glad u enjoyed them

[@hnr63]

Great update and we look forward to following your tips and growing Luffa’s in Great Britain.

[@glendakay-freetolearnlaugh5520]

Thank you for the awesome information! I'm trying a couple plants this year.

[@Zamztrench]

You are a beautiful pair and you made me smile all along! Thank you for sharing, love from Quebec xx

[@Bluecorner841222]

Great video ! Thank you I’m drying mine and so excited to give them away this year at Christmas 🎄 too! So Many uses and yes a *warsh rag* so useful :-). God’s creations are amazing 🤩

[@Sketcher93]

I started my seeds indoors and yes, they were extremely slow to germinate. And then slow to get started once they were put outside in the warm ground. I grew them near a cow panel like you did. And it took forever for them to climb up and flower. But lo and behold... I have loofah. Right here in central Minnesota in zone 5. It can be done. Thanks 😊

[@christsukamoto840]

You guys are just the cutest!! I really enjoyed this video and am ready to try to grow my luffa!

[@andreacooley9428]

how Awesome y’all!! super interesting 🥰. The only thing I would recommend as far as cleaning them. I am not sure if you have ever heard of Solugaurd? but i think that would be the BEST because there aren’t any harsh chemicals in it like bleach😁 If your interested in more about that let me know, I would love to fill you in on it. It’s a food grade disinfect and it’s made with all natural ingredients 🌱

[@arianrian4444]

Im interested about it

[@susanlong6518]

You and your family made me smile. THANK YOU.

[@sassyannie6292]

Y'all taught me that loofahs come from a plant not the ocean. I also had to get luffa seeds right after this. I got them in the ground and not they're sprouting. Thanks! Love y'all

[@candysadler1866]

Loved your video. Thanks for the encouragement. I have them growing, nearly pulled them down even though full of flowers. Thought I'd never get fruit. You are so very right, patience!!! God bless.

[@Freakontheway]

So cool! I would love to grow those in The Netherlands.... although I don't think it's warm enough here... but, I'll go hunt for seeds and try! Thanks for the instructional video on this one! Blessings, Diana

[@garden_geek]

You two are delightful. You are so joyful and seem to genuinely enjoy each other. I’m growing luffa for the first time right now. Playing the waiting game! Thanks for this video, I’ll keep waiting lol

[@amandasinclair6133]

beats those plastic sponges hands down. my neighbour grows but when i asked for the seeds I think they forgot! I will definitely try myself in Feb and let you know how I get on. when you bought the seeds was it a particular variety? I watched living traditions do them last year but theirs were hit and miss for mould when opened up and the skins did not peel easily like we just saw with you.I am in Canada and would love to know the variety you chose to grow so I can look for seeds here now to be ready for Feb sowing. thanks so much for sharing! I remember you thinking that there would not be any gourds and am delighted that you ended up with so many. they will be great cut up and bagged with hand made soaps for Christmas gifts.

[@erintannehill]

I finally successfully grew loofahs this year and cannot wait to gift them to friends and family! I'm using them for the shower and dishes. I'm definitely saving all the seeds to exchange with local homesteaders because [from what I know] no one grows them here and it is time to change that.

[@jkelly3878]

Great for cast iron and cleaning veggies.

[@justinemcguire4926]

I’ve also heard that you can use them as a toothbrush!! How cool. I grew them this year so hopefully I will get some out of them!

[@laurasparkman2660]

I have been waiting ALL YEAR for this video!! I can't wait to grow Luffa next year!!

[@HomesteadByBigfoot]

Excellent explanation, and a great way to get sponges for the dishes and bath. God Bless, Love you guys. have a great weekend.

[@bhanson5541]

Thanks for this information and the encouragement. Have never grown these, but really want to try them next season. I hope all goes well as you make presents with the loofahs... everyone will love them! Thank you, blessings to you all!! 👏🥰🙏

[@adelewatkins9386]

It is so amazing to go back and see how much has changed, and how big the kids have gotten..❤❤

[@ldg2655]

Whoever thought loofas were harvested from the sea was confusing them with Sea Sponges, which are ( were?) also harvested for bath sponges..

[@dailychaos8741]

They still are. The sea sponges. Down here in florida Tampa Bay has the sponge docks where you can purchase them and see how they grow.

[@karenhernke281]

Wow...that is so interesting! I have never seen anyone grow them. Thank you for sharing with with us. Love you guys. Greetings from Wisconsin. 😊

[@jmthomas29]

That is so cool. I want to grow some next year.

[@suehinson1629]

Jen, girl hoard the "skinny tips" for cleaning narrow mouth containers like sports water bottles, rabbit waterers and so on. Just a tip that I wish I would have known or realized. Another one is the core is left with the "segment wings" attached and a handle added makes a good spider web "getter" for like the porch and even cleans out the lint compartment in a dryer. Tyfs and God bless. P.S. Almost forgot, to make a quick cucumber, zucchini or the outsides of bottles, cleaner run a zip tie (may need to link more than one for the right length) through the entire length of the loofah (cut to the size you want) and connect the zip tie to its other end, pulling the loofah into a doughnut shape. Just run what you want cleaned through the center.

[@shericandee9882]

Sue Hinson awesome tips, thanks for sharing.

[@suehinson1629]

@@shericandee9882 Yw. I love sharing what I refer to as "life hacks" to leave it broad, it might be a hack for cleaning or maintenance or something other area, but their all a part of life. And I actually forgot one good one so I'm going now to add it to my original comment. Check it out. Hope you have a great weekend and God bless.

[@allenfarm]

My luffa didn't do well this year, but I can't wait to try again next spring. It's so crazy to think in just three to four months so many of us will be starting seeds inside.

[@thegiocachefamily4585]

I tried so hard to grow these this year!!! Our growing season is so short so I'll just have to start indoors and put in a greenhouse for awhile to even have a chance of success. So proud of you guys :}

[@southerngardenesse]

Yay, I'm so glad I found your channel. Great, fun info on growing luffas. Thanks, y'all!

[@sallyburkett1676]

The sound the loofa made when you tilted them to hear the seeds was a neat sound!

[@janpetersen750]

Like a rain stick!

[@tonyaegan2480]

I've watched you grow these all season, loved every minute of it. Inspired me to plan room in my garden for next year. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS COMPLETE VIDEO. God bless you all🌻💖😁

[@esauer1014]

Love this video!!! I grew some this year. I planted 7 seedlings this June and harvested mine 2 weeks ago due to having a freeze come through our area and we picked 170 gourds!!! Right now they are covering 4 tables in my living and dining room. I've lost 10 to rot starting on them since bringing them in. So it's a waiting game to see how many we end up with.

[@5acrefarm]

We’ve just found you channel and subscribed!! We’re in Australia and we’ve just planted Luffa Seeds. We’ve never grown them before but we hope they’ll work!

[@rosarosado2967]

Beautiful Loofas, Do you guys sell the seeds? I buy some.. great job

[@BrianLiles]

This is the first video of yours that I have watched and I have to let y'all know how real and genuine you both come across. I thoroughly enjoyed you guys. Thanks for taking the time to shoot, edit and post the content you have! PS. I also subbed. :)

[@hugstoyou7]

I love this so much. I have wanted to plant them for ever, but with our finicky weather up in Northern Vermont, I wasn't sure it would work. I might do one seed and see what happens.. This is so neat.

[@NeverEnoughThyme]

Hurray! I am adding raised beds to my lawn and patio. I am going to try loofah on a cattle panel over the patio beds. I will probably have to start them in January here in 6a. lol Even if I don't get loofah's the vines and flowers on the arch will be beautiful on the patio and bring in pollinators. Thank you for sharing this process from start to finish. Great video! 💕

[@AlongTheRiverHomestead]

I'm jealous of your loofahs!!! That's amazing that all those came from 2 plants!!!!!That third one is huge!! Oh my goodness I bet that is satisfying! If you want to get rid of some seeds you know I've been looking ;) haha!!! Next year if you have that loofah trellis we'll come and get married under it!!!! :)

[@lifeafter5093]

Love the luffa's, I make cold processed soap and I actually put them inside for a scrubby element.

[@albanymountainhomestead]

TY for the vid You don't have to bleach them, you can also use a peroxide solution or just rinse and dry... I didn't like peeling when they were brown, but between the brown yellow stage was more to my liking, the loofa / Luffa didn't fray as bad. I'm hoping to make some gifts for Christmas with these this yr... I bought my sprouted seedlings from Jeff @Bobblehead Homestead, they transplanted easily, and did well with little more than a few waterings through the dry season. I found them extremely easy to grow...

[@soulrevive8]

You can cook this loofa. They're delicious with soups,noodles and eggs. Just harvest the young green.fruit not the ripe one.

[@kimcritchfield5796]

Jen, I would love to swap some of your loofah seeds for some of my birdhouse gourd seeds! (My loofah didn’t survive, I’m guessing due to my water not being automated.) but I’m still learning how to harvest the birdhouse gourds! Thanks for this start to finish on the loofah!!

[@bettyford5192]

Love your garden and your Loofas....Im in Texas canI buy some from you....I thought they came from Mexico..lol

[@elainejohnson6866]

That is so cool! Would like to see how you cut and use them!

[@RepampGhana]

Very beautiful Luffa farm I love this video watching from Ghana 🇬🇭

[@spiveyonly1]

Thank you! You all did an amazing job of giving thorough information on growing and harvesting loofah.🙏💜

[@BernadetteSlater]

I love y’all so much. Thank you for continually sharing great content and your lives with us. You’ve taught me so much, I apply your tips down under in Australia and am getting better everyday. It’s spring here and I’m very excited for my first season of harvest. Bless you.

[@LadyDewinter]

I could use some advice on growing zuchinni. You guys turned me on to them and I LOVE them!!! Ive never grown them though and I want to try.

[@cmdrbudman1ao580]

I did search loofah... and then I binged your online life...your life... condensed into a weekend.... holy crap, I am so glad you survived.

[@rennells]

I grew loofa this year and we have 3 plants that I should have done 2. Lol. They are taking over the world. Lol I grew them for kitchen scrubbers.

[@graceandrews2386]

Greetings! I love using loofah pads. This video is so helpful to know I can grow them too. May I please have loofah seeds when I visit Kentucky in 2 weeks? I absolutely want to grow loofah though next spring to harvest in fall for gifts throughout the year (Christmas, Mother’s Day, Birthdays). The comments everyone posted are helpful too. I like where Appalachian Mercantile puts them in their homemade soap, what a great idea. Hey Jenn, maybe making homemade soap will be something we can learn to do. Can you imagine using your own flowers or herbs to infuse or decorate them. I can see Zach’s Zinnias decorating a few. Loofah soap bars, got to remember that. Thank you for sharing your loofah experience, this will help so much next spring planting. Great thing is I can watch your loofah video again to refresh my memory and help with patience growing them. Have a beautiful blessed day! 😊♥️🌾🐝

[@rodericksibelius8472]

In the Philippines, countrysides and farming towns, every family has a LUFFA vegetable, we call it 'KABATITI', English close pronunciation = COW-BUT-TEA-TEA = blooming on a WIDE big FLAT TOP trellis 6 FEET HIGH, sprawling wildly on top of it in the BACKYARD GARDEN, and the fruits are hanging down and we eat them when they are greed and the old dried ones we utilize them for everything: cleaning chores as well as Personal Hygiene, scraping off scabs off your body when taking a shower :)

[@sha-marieyates3871]

Your family is amazing. Thank you for making my day a little brighter.

[@margierousu468]

So cool that you were able to grow so many !! Great seed harvest there💜💜

[@grannieannieshomegrown]

I really like those! I looked for the seeds but wasn’t able to find those here where I live! I have a lot of things I would like to do with those too! Good luck with your project!

[@asliceofheavenhomestead3559]

Oh, how exciting! I can't wait to grow luffas on our brand new homestead. Love the video!

[@janicejurgensen2122]

I subscribed not only because of the very enjoyable, detailed tutorial on loofahs, but mostly because of U2 you are so sweet with each other. It is inspiring and beautiful. Can’t wait to see the next one. Thank you.

[@AlternativeHomesteading]

Another idea would be to coat them in wax and use them as candles and or fire starters in your woodstove. Thank you for this video. Loofah is so interesting. I also thought they grew in the ocean until this year.

[@DoraHand]

I have loofa, loofah, lufa, luffa.....and some louffahaa. One plant....9 months later...over 30 fruits. Some nearly 3 feet long. None are yellow yet some nearing yellow. Oh lord, I live in a mobile home, in a park...what am I gonna do with these till they are ready to be peeled? its mid October, I'm running out of time!! HELP!

[@HomsteadingThePioneerWay]

i haven't grew loofa yet, someone gave me one but it was a dish cloth loofa they are softer than the body ones, but my seeds are white, i would love to have some black seeds, i will be planting mine in feb. also

[@pattihayden8100]

Great video full of information...I put my little guy in the ground in June and it took awhile for it to get trained up also, but man when it took off....it took OFF!! The leaves are bigger than my head and tons of fruit growing on just one plant that spans a 10x5 lattice patio...did I mention that it’s growing past the patio cover onto the back of the house another 10’ and I’ve got to turn the vine back toward the patio 😂😂😂 Easy to grow here in Las Vegas, they like the heat and the rats are enjoying the fruit too 😤😤

[@sianapapalii1939]

Very cool and beautiful my family really enjoyed using for shower body washing everyday we bought a long whole thing then cutting in 2,3,or 4 pieces and continues enjoying using congratulations keep up the good works many people needs it includes my family as well wishing yous and very best and successful business God bless 👍👍

[@lexi8698]

How long do you soak them in the bleach bath for? Love your channel. I've started my first season growing loofahs. They are already over 16" long, I have 15 with more starting out from one plant.

[@joannthompson765]

IAM growing in 3 places in my Yard. Makes me worried.have some fruit already. IAM in S TX and they are loving our heat.also I have some of those biodegradable bags. I don't like them yet can I do a video how you started them

[@shondelbegley1520]

I also grow loofah in Indiana and my loofah have no fruit! I'm was discouraged until I seen your video and I am excited! People always hear I grow loofah sponge and the go directly to the ocean,I think it's the word sponge they think ocean! Thank you for all your information 👍👍

[@Shelzbells]

I grew Luffas for the first time this year. We had a hard frost before they were completely ripe and dried out. Mine were really big but still green. I brought them in the house and they are laying everywhere LOL. The problem Im having is that most of them are getting rotten and moldy. Anything I can do to prevent this?

[@madgeharris3476]

I grew loofahs this year. From April to September. I had to pull 3 of them because were expecting a hurricane and I didn’t want to get damaged. They take 150/ 200 days to grow.

[@robinr.770]

Hello. Loofah is on my first time to try list. I have fence posts and a cattle guard fence panel to build my secure trellis. I will not finish that construction til I am ready with plant starts, though. How tricky is it to train the vines to climb the trellis? The seeds I am going to use are native to the southwest...they are only hand size at full maturity, but are said to be hearty gourds in my area. I am hopeful they will thrive as yours have. Thank you for sharing this. Home by myself feeling crummy. This made me smile. I LOVE grow bags!!! Totally sold on them. Truly. Many blessings. Many thanks. 🍂🍂🌾

[@sherrybacon8041]

I think just trying 4 or 5 seeds doesnt hurt. If they grow then awesome!! If they dont then it was only a few seeds. They are cool. Im in vt, im not sure if they would grow but it would stop me from trying😉 it was cool watching your's grow Jenn. If i sent you an envelope and some money would you send me a few? I love watching you guy's.

[@RegiSmart]

That was so awesome to see. I do remember earlier this summer when you all were worried if they were growing right, and its amazing to me that you got 25 of the things and they are so huge. Thank you for showing the process.

[@sundaycaradine2171]

ok do they just fall off when ready to pick we have 2 plants that we planted in the first week of June. So probably wont get anything till November. My husband planted where they will climb up an old peach tree that doesn't fruit at all and we lots of vines. It isn't where I would have planted. I'm wondering how to reach those high up.

[@junipergreene2467]

You guys are adorable! Sweetness doubled. Thanks for loofah tips. Cool to get so many from 2 plants Wow!

[@Kiuan88]

Hey Zach & Jen, I won’t be able to make it to the harvest celebration, but I’d love a few of those seeds if you’d be up for mailing them! 😁👏🏻

[@AlpacaRenee]

Awesome video! You two are so cute together❤️ God bless your sweet family! Love the music in the video too!

[@begwenly]

I’m new here and I’m so inlove with these ppl very informative and straight to the point and funny. I’m growing mine right now but i don’t think mine will dry before my big frost I’m nervous lol

[@bobbiwilhite5860]

Just found you guys last night and I love your channel you're so positive funny upbeat and seemed to be totally honest what-you-see-is-what-you-get real people I love that plus you do in 15 minutes what most people do in 35 so a lot more information covered in a short. Of time love that too :-)

[@NatalieBakerLove]

I just love the heck out of you two. Found your channel a few months ago and I love watching. I just got a few luffa seeds gifted to me from another fellow gardener and I am so excited to see how they turn out. Thanks for all the tips and sharing your excitement!

[@dailychaos8741]

Are you guys going to sell the seeds. Make a short growing guide with them and sell them. Alot of us would buy them. Possibly make a set. A small piece of loofa, some seeds, and a short growing guide and instructions. I think they would do well.

[@abrahamacres3683]

I have seen where you can used a Pringle can lined with parchment, stuff in whole loofah piece, and then pour in soap to fill in all the pours. Then after it solidifies, slice it into bars. Do you think that would work with your goats milk soap Stivers?