Loofah, smooth (丝瓜) seeds

Luffa aegyptiaca

Also known as luffa, Chinese okra 

Loofah grows as a vine and is very productive, especially in warm, hot summers. This loofah variety grows long, smooth loofahs averaging 30-40cm in length. You can use young fruits as you would zucchinis – they make a delicious stir fry. Alternatively, let them mature and dry out on the vine and turn them into shower sponges!

10 seeds hand-saved from my garden to yours.

Plant type: warm season annual

Plant family: cucurbit family

Plant size: spreading vines up to 9m long

Sun: Full sun 

When to sow: early spring, transplant after last frost

Heat mat? Recommended for cool climates