How to Grow & Harvest Luffa

Plant luffa seeds indoors about a month before the last expected frost in your area, as luffa seedlings are planted outdoors after the ground has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Soak the luffa seeds in a bowl of warm water for 24 hours before planting time.

Fill peat pots with commercial potting soil, then moisten the potting soil lightly with a spray bottle. Plant two or three luffa seeds in each pot, then cover the seeds with 1/2 to 3/4 inch of potting soil.

Place the peat pots in a warm spot away from direct, bright sunlight. Spray with water as needed to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Pinch off the weakest seedlings in each pot after the luffa seeds germinate in about 10 days. Leave one healthy luffa seedling to mature in each peat pot.

Spade the soil in a sunny, well-drained garden spot, then dig in 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of a dry, 5-10-10 fertilizer for each 50 feet of garden space.

Plant the luffa seedlings when the seedlings have at least two true leaves, which are the leaves that develop after the first tiny seedling leaves. Allow 24 inches between each seedling. Locate luffa where the growing plant will be supported by a trellis, wall or fence to prevent the vines from sprawling over the ground.

Water the luffa deeply after planting, then spread 1 to 2 inches of mulch such as shredded bark or dry grass clippings around the seedlings. Leave a space around each plant and don't allow the mulch to touch the seedlings. Water luffa lightly whenever the top of the soil feels slightly dry. Don't water excessively, as luffa may rot in muddy soil.

Allow loofa to dry naturally on the vine as long as possible in late summer or autumn. Harvest luffa after the first light frost, when the luffah is brownish yellow and you can hear the seeds rattling inside.

Remove the luffa from the vine. Twist the stem end of the luffa to remove the end, then pour out the seeds. Soak the luffa in a bowl of lukewarm water until the luffa softens and the outer covering slides off easily. Replace the water if it becomes discolored.

Remove the luffa from the water. Peel off the outer covering and wash the luffa to remove the inner pulp. Fill the bowl with a mixture of nine parts water to 1 part household bleach, then soak the luffa in the bleach solution. While soaking the luffa in bleach isn't required, it provides a clean, white appearance.

Rinse the luffa thoroughly. Place the luffa in a sunny spot for about a week, or until the luffa is completely dry.