Luffa Sponge Gourd

130 days — 'Luffa Sponge' gourd is also known as 'Dishrag Gourd', 'Dishcloth Gourd' and 'Vegetable Sponge'. The fruit typically reach twelve to fifteen inches long at maturity but can reach thirty inches. When young (under six inches) they are eaten like a summer-type squash. At maturity and after being dried, they can then be peeled, cleaned and used as fibrous kitchen, bath, or exfoliating scrubbers.

Since 'Luffa Sponge' gourds require a very long, hot growing season to reach maturity, gardeners in most areas will need to start the plants indoors using peat or other biodegradable pots. Plant out in well manured, fertile soil. Each packet contains three grams, which is about 25 seeds.