HOW to PLANT and GROW LUFFA (LOOFAH), plus WHEN to HARVEST and HOW to PEEL

[@michellel5444]

I live in zone 6. started mine indoors in late Feb. My entire deck deck is covered after planting them at opposite ends. My deck is 11 feet off the ground. I have never seen so many different types of bees in my life. I will plant this every year for that reason alone. So fun.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

So great. Thanks for sharing.

[@candbprescott]

Me too! I'm in zone 6 and started mine in Feb. My seeds germinated and were getting their true leaves then just died. All of them 😢 I dony know what went wrong. I'm so sad

[@marjxowisno]

@@candbprescott aww. I’m in zone 6 and wants to start growing this plant

[@user-in2cp1kd4g]

By far the most informative, user friendly, and to the point channel I've ever come across. Thank you.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Wow, thanks! Thanks for watching.

[@LoraCreates]

I could not agree more! Thank you so much for the videos! I havey luffa seeds. I've always wanted to grow it!

[@YourMom-kg1tb]

100% agree! Best luffa video I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@emailameliad]

@@GrowingInTheGarden thank yoy for this video. I'm in Tempe. Excited to try this. What would you say is the fastest growing vine in our area ?

[@PhotonTheta]

as an experienced luffa grower, I'm impressed with your tunnel.

[@quietgardner8418]

This is one of the most informative how-to gardening videos I've seen. The info is clear, succinct, and comprehensive. Thank you from Houston (another blazing hot garden!)

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You're very welcome! Hello from Arizona, and thank you for watching.

[@mezleona]

Hello ! If you need tips on growing things in Houston you can ms me,! I just moved to Az so im new here

[@granttoye5852]

The epitome of KZbin content. I had no idea I was looking for this, but I'm so glad I found it!

[@WhitneyHempsey]

Very thorough video, thank you! You just saved me from harvesting too early! I’ve grown luffa a couple times, but now realize I always harvested too soon, making peeling and drying out take forever. We grow luffa for our pet chinchillas. They’re safe for them to consume and chinnies LOVE chewing on them. It’s good for their teeth as well. Luffa is also a great treat/toy for bunnies, Guinea pigs, and birds. A lot of toys are sold in pet stores that are basically just luffa slices and some wooden beads for $30 that the pet will destroy in 5 minutes. This is way more economical and I don’t have to worry about chemicals. It takes quite a while, but it’s worth it!

[@valholla4499]

I'm growing luffa for the first time and this video had all the information I needed to answer all my questions! Thank you so much.

[@9nxt]

I just found a whole @** loofah on the ground in the Walmart parking lot, rattled it and it had a bunch of seeds. 😂 Score

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Nice!!

[@drummermomcjs]

We grew loofa for the first time this year. We have a palm tree that my husband grew the loofah up and now we have a Loofah Palm. :-) We have over a dozen loofah gourds growing on the palm such that they look like decorations hanging from the palm branches. We are in one 9a and so we have a lot of sun and time to grow. We had a blast growing these and it amazes me just how long these vines will get if you let them. Have plenty of trellises for them to climb (even if that trellis is a tree) because they will go nuts. We will definitely be growing these next year. Thank you for the information in the video. Knowing when and how to harvest is welcome information. The first gourds I harvested I allowed to dry on the vine and are a little hard getting the skin off. I am looking forward to implementing the information from this video in harvesting the rest. Thanks for the information and sharing your beautiful garden.

[@tarasporleder1]

I ordered your planting calendar on Christmas day and got it yesterday. Its awesome. I love how durable it is...seems like it will last many years. Looking forward to your next video

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad you enjoy it! I'll be posting a new video in the morning. Thanks for your support.

[@Jasaine]

This video was so good. Everything I needed to know was here. I grew luffa this year for the first time. 1 seed on a whim. It didn't take off right away, but now, early Novemeber it has gone crazy. Tons of luffa on this one plant. We are having our first frost tonight, but yesterday I saw honey bees on the flowers. I plan to cover the vine with sheets tonight and tomorrow night, but I doubt my luffa will finish maturing. If I get 1 good luffa I'll be happy. If not, the bees had a good summer and autumn feast and it was fun to watch it grow. Thank you!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Best of luck to you!

[@kimberlyhawkins]

THANK YOU!! We are in 9b and can not WAIT to plant!!

[@busker153]

I plan to grow some Luffa along my back fence line on the south side of my back yard near an open alley. Lots of sun! I am turning my place here in Tucson, AZ into a total food forest! Nice to find you here!

[@Moreorless234]

Thank you! It’s really informative and straight to the point. I’m planning to plant luffa and your video helps my prep a lot!

[@desiraemonique]

I'm so excited to try this! I bought seeds in September and just threw them in to see if anything would happen (no patience really) and they grew quite a bit, so I can't wait to start them "right" next year. I'm in Arizona too, just out of Sedona so you being in a hotter spot helps so much with actual growing info so late in the year!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Great! Yes, planting at the right time will certainly make a difference. Best of luck to you.

[@Melaniedoo]

Not sure how well I will do living in MS, however, I want to start a community compost project. I want to provide our neighbors a bucket to collect their compostable kitchen scraps in. When the scraps are emptied into the compost bin I plan to use the loofah to clean the buckets out (using rain water that I have collected of course) for the next person to use. And once the compost breaks down and turns into amazing organic material to use I plan to have a community garden spot. Just an idea I’ve been kicking around.

[@johnjude2685]

Agree they are fun to watch. Thanks I had pretty good luck with my first last season and bees love them hundreds of yellow flowers

[@notanothergamergirl]

I am in zone 4 and I grow loofah. I start inside several weeks early. I got well over a dozen loofah from 6 or so plants. It can be done. Also continuing to use the seeds you produce will help the plant become more hardy for my area.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Yay! Love hearing that. Thanks for sharing.

[@cjvaill1339]

I’m also zone 4 and I want to try growing some!

[@sherrylesser]

I’m in zone 3, but I have a greenhouse. I can’t wait to see if I am finally successful. I have tried it three times now, but the first time I planted way too late. Last year I transplanted them into my greenhouse and I had an aphid infestation. They just recovered and it froze. I started them a bit later, bought some nematodes, and will be making sure they have a great support system.

[@lobodo988]

Oh thank you for posting and giving me hope! It’s Sept 20, I’m in Zone 5 & I have big green luffas on the vine, I’m so worried I’ll lose them to frost (Oct 3). Literally holding my breath! But if Zone 4 can succeed, so can Zone 5! Pls, pls turn yellow, lol. Killing frost is a BIG DAY around here, everything comes inside!!

[@krisslav3450]

Loved this video. Can't wait to grow my own loofah 🥰🤗🤗🤗

[@jimizxztheorginal]

I honestly meant to plant them next year but got my seed pack wet in july so I just threw them in the yard, didn't even plant them. Now I have loofah everywhere and growing over my fence! Can't wait to harvest!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Nice!

[@elenam9288]

Thank you, this is the most complete video about growing and harvesting loofa! It's the first time I grow it and it's fun because I had more than 10 plants and planted them in different countries in Italy to experiment which ground and weather it's the best. Now it's harvest time! Thank you again

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

I’d love to hear what you learned in your experiments!

[@146mds1stSgt]

Thanks. You provided me more info than other sites. I waited too long on my first pick and the skin was brittle while the sponge was moldy. Now I am off to the garden to see what I learned from you will apply. BTW: My luffas are volunteers growing on tomato cages in a row. The tomatoes died while I was away but the luffas flourished.

[@scandalousjen]

Thank you! No one ever says where to plant and the light they need! Full sun, got it ;)

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Sure. They are a lot of fun to grow. Enjoy!

[@plantheaven4264]

Nice to meet another plant lover. Thanks for sharing.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Thanks for visiting

[@susiehatley5756]

All the information I needed to know what to do with my growing Loofas! Thankyou!

[@creekbird_homestead]

Glad I watched this. I was wondering if I’d ever get luffa 😂 In about 6 months, they are finally forming. Such HUGE vines. Nervous about if they’ll have time :/ I’m in TN so zone 7A, cusp of B. Hoping!! One is over a foot long!!

[@galeem713]

I just got 40 seeds. I am growing them to use as toys for my parrots. I am in zone 5 and will start them early next year inside in a large pot to minimize transplant shock.

[@mischr13]

are they safe for parrots? I could see them being a good chew toy or foraging toy!

[@biancaprato5859]

I’m learning so much from you! Thank you for being so informative - especially when it comes to growing in the desert! I’m in Chandler, and most KZbin channels (while they’re great) don’t understand how hot it can get...I always get confused when I hear them say “it loves full sun” (but i end up frying my plants bc full sun here is on another level lol) so it was nice to hear “it loves full sun-even here in AZ” 😂 I definitely want to try growing luffa this year!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Thanks. Enjoy growing it. Luffa is a lot of fun to grow.

[@Athena-f8p]

How'd it go? Any luck?

[@9catlover]

This is so great to see the start to the end product. i will try growing these in the UK but don't really think we have the weather for it. it will be fun to fail! i am just tired and sick of using plastic sponges that will never biodegrade

[@dkburruss]

Best luffa video ever!!! Thank you so much!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Wow, thank you!

[@sianapapalii1939]

Hi so beautiful and lots of fun thank you so very much for sharing keep up the good works 👍👍

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Thank you 🤗

[@katylucyb1]

I can’t wait to try loofah in my garden! I’m zone 6b so it should grow well here. Thanks for sharing this 👍👍😊

[@WhitneyHempsey]

Def wait until EARLY next season. I’m in zone 8b so the growing season is bonkers long. My plants are still flowering while the fruits are still pretty firm and green.

[@WhitneyHempsey]

Def wait until EARLY next season. I’m in zone 8b so the growing season is bonkers long. My plants are still flowering while the fruits are still pretty firm and green.

[@jamee_maree]

When have you started yours? I’m in 6a. Also, guessing you have the same big box stores as I do - where have you found the seeds? I haven’t seen them anywhere, but I also haven’t specifically been looking for them.

[@Aleaheathen]

first year growing them and they are fun

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Such an unusual thing to grow for sure.

[@Aleaheathen]

@@GrowingInTheGarden yes, Have one kinda round shape(ish)

[@MamaC-History]

THis is a wonderful and educational video on Loofa! Thank you!!

[@ginabrathen4015]

How long does it take for the loffah fruit/vegetable to grow? I try to figure it out, but can’t find it anywhere.

[@Athena-f8p]

This is the coolest thing I've ever seen.

[@daniellecolavito9561]

Thank you!! I'm growing loofa for the first time and this was very helpful. I'm so excited!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You're so welcome!

[@IdoMathew]

These are great tips! How many plants did you plants is this on your trellis? I’m wondering how much space 1 plant needs.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

There are 4-6 on that trellis

[@murrayzuckerman123]

I have grown luffa up here in Bucks County outside Philadelphia-we are in 7a--Great videos

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

That's good to know. Do you start it indoors?

[@lynnerholmes]

A great addition to this video would be closed captioning considerations for the Deaf and hearing impaired. Thank you!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You're right! I switched the setting. Sorry about that and thanks for the heads up!

[@robertbowden3599]

A wonderful video - thank you! You speak with such a gentle, yet authoritative tone... filling me with hope for my own loofahs (growing here in the UK, under glass). Fingers crossed 🤞

[@thesaintmustwalkalone708]

Wow... This is such an excellent video. Thorough, to the point... Thank you!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Thanks for watching!

[@solcruz5612]

So exited!! I will try this year! 🙏🏼🙌🏼✨ thanks for sharing!

[@congchuahattieu]

The green loofah is edible and totally delicious 😋

[@EnriquesDoItMyself]

Thank you for sharing this was a very helpful video.

[@mystiquerose620]

I found out that luffa needs short daylength....i figured that out this year...they don't produce any fruit till it's around 14 hr day length..thank you for the great video

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

I've been wondering about that and have noticed that might be true. Good point.

[@mystiquerose620]

@@GrowingInTheGarden hi...thank you...yeah..thats what I've noticed about them...unfortunately where I live they don't start producing the fruit till early august..i had to pick them when they were green and peel them...it was a lot of work..but I was happy to at least get some luffas😊

[@toloveandrestore2472]

This is so helpful!!! Thank you!

[@beatcat1265]

My luffas are not as big as yours. It seems like they have stopped growing. Im waiting til they change color like you said. Mine are still green i think one is going to change soon!! Im so excited 😆

[@vincentbynumbers]

thank you for this video, great information and very thorough! i have a few seeds started and can't wait to get them outside!

[@robingwin1384]

Thank you for the wonderful information. Your video was informative and very well done.

[@RemixKingzMusic]

This was good. Thank you

[@stevebowman1645]

I'm growing in Canada...6a zone started indoors hope the fruit matures before first frost if not I will cover vines to keep off the frost. First year with fruit...water the plant ...feed the plant....thanks for the information

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Best of luck!

[@danicah3588]

This video was incredibly informative. Thank you and well done!

[@malsoonsakit4786]

Many thanks for a well produced and narrated video. My Mom always grew luffas in Beirut. Your beauty and great personality added to the success of this presentation

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Many thanks!

[@user-ot3nn8pu4u]

Oh well...I just bought loofah seeds but I'm in Indiana zone 5b. Even though I live in a very different climate I find your videos to be informative and inspiring! I am adding a trellis (cattle panel) and square foot grid to my raised beds for spring. It looks like loofah would fill one trellis all by itself so best to set that idea aside. Could you tell me how you plant/space winter squash in a square foot grid with a trellis? Thank you!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

I'm so glad they are helpful. Luffa does take up one trellis all by itself for sure. To plant winter squash in a square foot garden put it at the end of the bed next to the trellis. For most winter squash they would need all the squares at the end of the bed and then climb up the trellis. This article may be helpful too: growinginthegarden.com/how-to-grow-winter-squash-9-tips-for-growing-winter-squash/

[@r.coffman1431]

Janet I am also in Indiana and am curious as to how this went for you.

[@wendysmith-Florida]

this video is perfect! I just began growing loafa and although I definitely don’t have the space for an 18’ tunnel - I’ve successfully germinated about a dozen seeds so I’m wondering how much trellis I need for the seedlings? I’m in central Florida. thanks for the video!!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

As much trellis as you can. It will take up all the space you give it. 8-10 feet is good.

[@donna9374]

O.M.G.lm 64 and judt learned you can grow luffas.l too thought they were from the sea😂❤🇬🇧

[@amyjohnson7604]

Fantastic video. Thank you! First year to grow here!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Best of luck!

[@thebotanicalden8468]

I'm trying it this year after I make my wooden pallet trellis. So excited! Oklahoma is HOT but not the longest grow season (end of April/beginning of May to hopefully August. Our summers are 100-115°F. Hoping mine grow well!

[@jazzyjess12]

How’d yours do? I live in zone 6 (NE Ohio) and I have about 10 luffa gourds that are pretty big, but not even close to harvesting them. Our summer was so weird this year so hopefully they’ll mature. I’ll definitely start indoors next year!

[@khayescobar1819]

Hi Angela I just come across to your channel I love gardening so I subscribed right away I enjoy watching your videos. Where can I buy luffa seeds?

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

I sell them on my website growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/luffa-loofah-seeds

[@GeminiJo]

I'm excited to grow mine. I live in Maryland so within the next few weeks!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Good luck!

[@elisabethjones4917]

Roughly how long is "full growing season"? Do they require a lot of water? How long can you use a loofah sponge before recommended to dispose?

[@psalm10123]

This video so much thank you I was wondering about fertilizing?

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

I top the soil with compost when I plant, otherwise not much fertilizer.

[@artsifriend9256]

I bought some seeds last year, I'm going to try and grow them this year; I see that I'm going to need 7mo minimum? My area is 3 but my pasture/garden is hot in the summer months like an AZ desert lol with full sun from dawn till 7pm ish. wish me luck! 🤞

[@maritzalozano4270]

Thank you so much for this informative video. I live in South Texas and it gets very hot here and I’m glad that these plants love sun. I planted my luffas this spring and already have some nice looking gourds. I planted in planters (no space anywhere else) and trained them over trellises that go over a bench swing. They are doing nicely but I see that the leaves get droopy every single day. We’ve already had some 100 degree days and it’s only May so I wonder if they’ll make it through the summer. Do they require a lot of water?

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Make sure you have good soil. growinginthegarden.com/best-soil-for-raised-bed-vegetable-gardening/ That helps them have enough moisture to get through the day. They do require water but not overly so. They don't mind the heat and should make it fine through the summer.

[@maritzalozano4270]

Thank you.

[@thehutch7728]

Hey neighbour! I’m next door in SW Louisiana, so similar hot climate, and just wanted to see how your luffas were going. I only had one seed survive germination, but she has taken over a fence, and is working on my shed and a trellis “building” I had intended for cucumbers. It’s amazing to see how quickly they grow! I’ll definitely try this again next year. I hope yours are doing just as well!

[@maritzalozano4270]

@@thehutch7728 hi there. I actually had good success with my luffas (first time-so excited). Even though the did not get as big as I had hoped ( I think maybe because the were in planters), I did get a good crop. It’s been very hot lately so they are looking very much done for the summer. Nonetheless, I am very happy with my crop and will definitely try again next year.

[@bethacton616]

Great information and very well explained. Thank you.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardlwakeland6425]

Here in Missouri we have been growing them for 2 years .just about don’t have time to finish growing.

[@suzettewoods5512]

I would like to see an episode on how to position your garden beds for best sun and shade in th desert.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Good idea, thanks.

[@solcruz5612]

Thank you Angela, I will start my luffas for the first time! Wish me luck 🍀🙏🏼🙌🏼😁

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Good luck!!

[@elberbelbers]

Hi! I’ve been growing luffa for years, but I have come across a totally new situation I’ve never seen before. I am peeling a completely dried luffa. It’s been drying for more than a couple months in a cool dry place. I snapped the bottom off to first shake the seeds out and there is white cotton like material inside. I assume this is a mold of some kind. Is this harmful? Do I need to dispose of this luffa and it’s seeds? Any insight regarding this is most appreciated. All the other luffas I’ve peeled have been fine.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

It does sound like mold. Interesting.

[@Becauseimme]

Thanks Angie.

[@busker153]

I am reviewing with the intention of planting some Loofa seeds from last year's harvest, and wanted to tell you something funny. I guided a loofa vine up my date palm tree, and it wound around the top enough that there were Loofa growing in a way that made it look like I decorated it for the holidays! LOL "Oh, yeah. That is my Loofa Palm!" LOL

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Ha!

[@blancaestelarios1485]

Most amazing content so informative

[@buteobuteo]

Great video... Any pest problems? Here in New England, squirrels and deer eat almost everything we plant

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Luffa is pretty pest free here - I don't have squirrels or deer. Not sure if they would eat them or not, I'm sorry

[@buteobuteo]

@@GrowingInTheGarden no problem, I'll give them a try! thx for the quick reply

[@rosehealey7975]

I might have missed this in the video but how long did it take the vines to grow and how much time did it take to from there to start producing? Was it all in one growing season??

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

One long growing season

[@DebbieFishell]

Fabulous content ~ thank you!

[@lanceyrocks9634]

i successfully planted lufa from seeds this season and now seeing fruits. but i noticed theres so many black ants crawling along the plants. why? how to stop them?? btw, great video and straight to the point. 👍

[@cassandrastillman8796]

There are ants all over my potato plant as well. they seem to be after the aphids in my case, but Ants love nectar as well. Since your plant is flowering that is probably why. It’s a win-win. They get a snack and your loofa gets pollinated!

[@Logicalhumanbeing]

Thanks 😍

[@tbird2434]

WoW !! This is so exciting ! I enjoyed ALL your expert advice and encouragement ! I hoping to give LUFFA a try! Thank you :-.)

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You can do it!

[@mysewcalledlife6531]

Thank you for such an informative video! Love it!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ihsankhawaldeh8876]

great from Mesa

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@shaylengray8940]

Oh! Your in Mesa!? Ur not to far from me I think…?? I’m in Tucson. Still learning how to work this soil. I’m from MA originally. So thank you again. This was so helpful!!!

[@niceglass6484]

How many plants did you plant for the length of that trellis? Thanks great video

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

There were 4 plants.

[@sueleigh1813]

Great information! Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks 😃

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@InTheGardenAgain]

I found my first gourd growing on my luffa vines! I think I let it get too big already to harvest to eat! I am glad I found your video about luffas! Happy gardening!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Good luck!

[@InTheGardenAgain]

@@GrowingInTheGarden Thank you!

[@lucyw.mcmellan7274]

Explained very well. TY.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shaylengray8940]

Oh good. I’m in AZ too!!!

[@sparklelove4837]

Thank you for this 😊 i have been studying and I am excited to start growing lufa

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You’re welcome, good luck to you!

[@sharonwright66]

I live in central NC and have my first crop of Luffa on a trellis. The leaves are turning brown on the outer edges. My plants are in very large pots and the vines grow up a trellis. I do have several gourds growing but the leaves don’t look very healthy. Do they need a certain type of fertilizer? High in nitrogen maybe? Weather has been in the 90s all June. No rain at all. I water 2 x a day and spray the vines when they look wilted. Any other suggestions for healthier vines?

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

I would water deeply - probably just once a day and avoid spraying water on the vines. You could fertilize every few weeks with this: amzn.to/3RT66mL

[@hellomehi6692]

AMAZING video!! So informative!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kikilu7552]

Do U eat them? Or do U just grow them mainly for the sponge?

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

They need to be harvested very young to be edible. I don't like the taste much and I grow them for the sponge.

[@shannonstout7983]

Great video. Very Informative!

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AndreeaWest]

I'm in zone 7a, but I'll try this next year. Starting them inside though. 🤞🏻

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Nice! Best of luck to you!

[@lesswastecanvas]

Hello, what an educative video💛, may I use some of your clips for my content about loofah? I will put your channel & link in the content. Thankyou😊

[@kimberlyditto9697]

Do they attract squash bugs? I’m planning to plant luffa this year, and I’m trying to decide if I want to do netting and hand-pollinate or leave it to the bees.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

Good question. I haven't had squash bugs on any of my luffa plants.

[@rac3r5]

Thank you for explaining this so well.

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You're very welcome!

[@elisabethjones4917]

Also, how much is that giant trellis? Did you make it or purchase it. Since loofah is a summer squash, does that mean I can't plant it near other squash and melons?

[@avimajor6488]

Do you have any issues with wildlife attacking your loofah? This is my first year growing it and I am in Michigan (zone six)

[@atik]

Thank you for motivation and info 😊🙏

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

So nice of you, thanks for watching.

[@lisasmith8432]

Do you recommend soaking the seeds before planting. I am in Houston, TX

[@GrowingInTheGarden]

You can, but you don't have to.