Judy's Luffa x 8
Luffa cylindrica
Progress Journal (13)
Timeline
The luffa is a fast growing, vigorous annual vine that requires a trellis to grow on. Plant it in rich soil in full sun. Tender, immature fruits can be peeled and cooked, resembling zucchinis in taste. The stem tops, young leaves and flower buds can be steamed as vegetables and the seeds roasted with salt and eaten. For use as a sponge allow the luffa to ripen on the vine until the stem yellows and the skin begins to turn brown. After cutting they should be dried for two weeks until the skin hardens, then open the large end and shake out the seeds. Soak the sponges overnight before peeling off the outer skin and standing in th sun to dry. Luffa sponges are used in the bathroom as body scrubbers and in the kitchen to scrub vegetables and wash pots.
Source: Green Harvest
Where is it?
Currently growing in Judy's Fruit and Veggie Patch garden
Milestones
17 Jan 08
Sown
07 Mar 08
Flowering
12 Mar 08
Flowering
17 Mar 08
Fruiting
17 Mar 08
Dying Down
23 Mar 08
Dying
26 Apr 08
Harvesting
11 May 08
Fruiting
18 Jun 08
Fruiting
21 Jun 08
Pruning
05 Jul 08
Transplanted
12 Aug 08
Breaking Dormancy
Who else loves Judy's Luffa?
Buzz buzz buzz!
Listen in on the Grapevine
Missywombat wrote:
So Judy, when is the best time to plant these things? A Wet Season plant? Or can you start them now?
Posted on 25 May 08 (about 6 months ago)
Judy wrote:
My understanding is that luffa can be grown all year round in the tropics. I started my first lot which is still going, in January this year. They are sad looking vines due to my over-planting in a small box, but continue to keep the native bees happy with all their flowers – just not many leaves or fruit. I planted two more seeds just a month ago, also one about 2 weeks ago, and all three plants seem very happy so far.
Posted on 25 May 08 (about 6 months ago)
Missywombat wrote:
I’m thinking of growing them on the fence between us and the neighbours, then we can both benefit from it. Beats the weedy vines that thrive there. The bee thing is a big plus too.
Posted on 25 May 08 (about 6 months ago)
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