Luffa Gourd

1 Plant in 4.5 inch deep pot 

Do you have a good spot in your garden for a vine? These are beautiful trellising plants that will sprawl in late summer and fall. The gourds are edible when young as are the flowers. But the best part are the mature sponges found inside the dried gourds. We use them in soap making (inside the soap they make a good scrub), for pail washing, and in the kitchen. 

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Full Sun (they will not tolerate any shade) 

PLANT SPACING: 12-24 inches, vines can be 10-15 feet long 

HARVEST: Leave the gourds on until they dry, then pick and store in a dry place. To remove shell, bash them on a hard surface and peel.