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Luffa cylindrica

Luffa cylindrica
Sponge Gourd, Smooth Loofah, Vegetable sponge, Egyptian Cucumber, Vietnamese Luffa

2,8/5
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2 reviews

No seed bothered to sprout... I reported it to Promesses de Fleurs, who reimbursed me for the packets.

Chantal S., 12/11/2022

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Neck cultivated to be used as a loofah or vegetable sponge. It forms a climbing plant whose fruits, resembling zucchini, measure from 25 to 55 cm (9.8 to 21.7 in). The young fruits and leaves are consumed as vegetables in some countries. Sowing in April. Harvest from October to November.
Ease of cultivation
Amateur
Height at maturity
2.50 m
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Germination time (days)
10 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Sowing period April
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Harvest time October to November
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Description

The Luffa Cylindrica belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family without being a Cucurbita.

This gourd is not edible, except when very young, but it has a somewhat bitter taste. It is mainly used dried as a loofah, where it makes an excellent exfoliant, or as a vegetable sponge. Native to Southeast Asia or Africa, this tropical plant particularly enjoys heat and sunny locations.
It is a climbing plant that produces large yellow flowers and then fruits that resemble zucchini. They typically measure 25 to 55 cm (9.8 to 21.7 in). The Sponge Gourd then adorns pergolas or trellises. Each plant produces 3 to 6 fruits. Sow your seeds in April to harvest from October to November.

 

Harvest: To obtain beautiful sponges, it is necessary to let the fruit dry as long as possible (until October or even November). If there is too much humidity, drying can be done indoors in a dry and well-ventilated place. Then, it is a matter of peeling it and gently removing the seeds.

Storage: Once dried, it can be stored indefinitely.

Harvest

Harvest time October to November
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour white
Size of vegetable Large
Interest Productive

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.50 m
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Luffa

Species

cylindrica

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Other common names

Sponge Gourd, Smooth Loofah, Vegetable sponge, Egyptian Cucumber, Vietnamese Luffa

Origin

Southeast Asia

Annual / Perennial

Annual

Product reference40021

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Planting and care

Sowing description: Sowing squash and zucchini seeds is very rewarding both for the quick growth of the young plants and for the ease of cultivation. They require well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They also require lots of sunlight and plenty of water for beautiful fruits.  

Early cultivation: In March or April, sow your seeds in holes of two or three in trays or pots with soil rich in organic matter. Then lightly cover the seeds and water to maintain a slight humidity. The germination is quite fast: after about ten days, it is already time to thin out by choosing the strongest plants and transplanting them into well-prepared soil. Each plant requires a lot of space. If possible, space them 1 m (3 ft 4 in) apart. Dig holes about 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in) in all directions and fill them two-thirds with compost. Then position the plant and put back the soil, then firm it down firmly.

Seasonal cultivation: Once the risk of frost has passed, which is usually the end of April or May depending on the region, sow two to three seeds in holes 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) deep. Lightly firm the soil, then wait about ten days for the first shoots to appear. When they reach a few centimeters, thin out by keeping only the strongest plants.

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7,50 € Bag
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Seedlings

Sowing period April
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 10 days

Care

Soil moisture Dry
Disease resistance Good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to 1°C (USDA zone 10b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
2,8/5
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Available in 3 sizes

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