Get essential tips for planting, growing, and caring for loofah plants.
Like other cucurbits, when harvested young, loofah produces green fruits that have a flavor reminiscent ofcucumbers.
Under ideal conditions, their vines may grow well over 20 feet in length.
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For best growth, plants should be given full sun and competition around the roots should be avoided.
Soils should be rich,high in organic matter, and with good drainage.
Startingseeds indoorsis advisable for those in cooler climates.
Soil and Water
All those large vines require nutrient-rich, healthy soils and plenty of moisture.
Water regularly and don’t let your plants dry out entirely.
Theycannot tolerate cooler temperaturesand will cease growing if temperatures become too cold.
Likewise, they cannot survive freezing temperatures and frosts will damage or kill vines.
The first flowers to appear will be male and can be left alone.
Alwaysharvest fruitsbefore the first frosts have hit.
Use a sharp knife or shears to remove the fruit from the vine without damaging the fruit’s skin.
Pests and Problems
As with other cucurbits, loofah plants are susceptible topowdery mildew.
Once fruits reach peak maturity, remove them from vines and allow them to dry.
Label andsave seedsin a cool, dry location for the following growing season.
To sow seeds, place seeds in peat pots filled with seed-starting mix or outdoors in prepared beds.
Cover with about 1/2 to 3/4 inches of soil.
Firm soil over seeds and keep soil moistened until seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days.
Othergourds you might plantto use for decor include soft-shell gourds, miniature pumpkins, and dipper gourds.
Use ornamental gourds forThanksgiving decor, or add them to floral arrangements or wreaths towelcome autumn.
However, eating normal amounts of these fruits is not toxic to most animals.
To correct the issue, hand pollination with a small paintbrush can be helpful.
Simply collect pollen from male flowers and transfer it to nearby female flowers with the brush.
