Luffa Gourd Sponge Gourd Luffa aegyptiaca 20 Seeds

Luffa aegyptiaca, commonly called luffa gourd or sponge gourd, is a fast-growing, tendrilled, annual vine native to tropical Asian lowlands where it has been cultivated for centuries. It has escaped cultivation and can be found growing in tropical woodlands, thickets, grasslands and along roadsides at low elevations around the world. Vines can reach 30-50' long and require 1-3' of spacing. The palmately lobed leaves can reach 10" wide. The blooms are bright yellow in color and can reach 4" wide. The fruits are smooth, green and cylindrical, reaching 1-2' long and contain numerous round, flat, black seeds. Best grown in evenly moist, moderately rich, well-draining loams in full sun. Hand pollination will increase yield. This plant requires a frost-free growing season of at least four months and warm temperatures for proper flowering and fruiting. In Zones 7 and above, seeds can be either sown directly in the garden in spring after the threat of frost or started indoors 6-8 weeks bef