How to Grow Luffa

Intermediate

Luffa aegyptiaca

A warm-season tropical vine in the cucumber family. Harvest young fruits at 15–20 cm for mild zucchini-like eating quality; they turn fibrous quickly if left to mature. The same plant produces the familiar bath sponge when fruits are allowed to fully ripen.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
55–75 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
30 cm / 12"
Sun
8+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
moderate feeder

Growing Notes

Needs a sturdy trellis — vines can reach 3–6 m. Soak seeds 24 h before sowing to speed germination. Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil reaches 21 °C. Harvest daily in peak season.

Popular Varieties

1 luffa cultivars in our catalog.

Thai Extra Long Sponge
100–120 days Open-Pollinated
Support
trellis
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
Seed viability
4 years

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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