How to Grow Loofah Gourd

Roughen the sides of the loofah gourd seeds with sandpaper. Put the seeds in a small container with tepid water to soak overnight. This scarifies the seeds and speeds up germination.

Fill peat or other biodegradable pots with potting soil. Only use these types of pots because loofah gourds don’t transplant well. Sow one seed 1/2 inch deep in each pot and then dampen the soil.

Put the pots in a warm, sunny location and water as needed to maintain moist soil. Watch for loofah gourd seedlings to emerge in a one to two weeks. Continue to water the seedlings until they are transplanted outdoors.

Prepare the outside planting area as soon as you can work the soil. Find a site with full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Choose a site next to a sturdy fence, or install a trellis at least 5 to 6 feet tall to support the loofah gourd plants.

Amend the soil with 3 to 4 inches of organic matter, including peat moss, manure and compost. Add a fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 100-square-feet. Mix these into the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches.

Plant one loofah gourd transplant every 2 to 3 feet in a row, with rows spaced at least 5 feet apart. Dig holes just large enough to plant the entire peat pot. Make sure the upper part of the pot is not above ground to prevent it from drying out.

Water the loofah gourd plants well after transplanting to settle them in place. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the entire planting area, but keep the mulch away from the stems of the loofah gourd plants to prevent rot.

Supply supplemental watering at a rate of 1 inch of water weekly throughout the growing season in the absence of rainfall.

Harvest immature loofah gourds at 3 to 6 inches in length for eating, or allow the fruits to ripen on the vines. Gourds are mature when the stems become yellow and the fruit’s skin is dry.