Luffa cylindrica

Germination

Prefers a warm, humid environment. Sow indoors. Sow 3 seeds on their sides, 10mm deep, into 8cm pots of free draining moist seed compost. Propagate 21-24°C. Germination takes 7-10 days. Protect seedlings from direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Thin to strongest seedling asap. Grow plants on until they are large enough to handle. Reduce temp. to minimum 15°C and grow on, keep compost moist not wet. If keeping in greenhouse allow 2 plants per growbag or individually in large pots. Prefers rich soil with plenty of organic matter.

Growing

Water regularly and thoroughly. This plant can be pinched out at the mainstem after 4 sets of leaves have formed to encourage sideshoots. Requires pollination by insects. Train up supports with 45 cm spacing. For ground maturing lay straw or plastic to keep fruit clean with 90cm spacing.

Cultivation

As the fruit matures it will lose moisture and become light and the skin will turn brown. Harvest and remove the thin outer skin, remove the seeds also. A fibrous core should remain which should be washed and dried prior to use as a abrasive sponge.