Sponge gourd / Egyptian cucumber / Vietnamese luffa

Plant family

Curcurbits (Cucurbitaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

50 cm

Row spacing

60 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm

Instructions

Description

The sponge cucumber, loofah or sponge gourd belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It is grown for its sponges, but even the unripe fruits are edible and resemble zucchini in appearance and taste. The flowers are also edible.

Growing tips

When germinating, keep evenly moist but not wet at a temperature between 20-25°C. Germination takes place after approx. 10-20 days. Harvest as a sponge cucumber as soon as the fruit skin begins to dry out (brown skin). Peel and dry immediately after harvesting (until the seeds fall out). Wash the sponge thoroughly under running water. The sponges can be used as household or massage sponges. Can also be grown outdoors in sunny, warm conditions, preferably in a sheltered location or greenhouse. Needs a trellis.