Luffa cucumber
Luffa cucumber is undoubtedly one of the most fun plants in the garden. Although it is both edible and decorative, the luffa cucumber is mainly grown for its dried fruits. They make excellent sponges for showering, bathing or washing dishes.
From motor filters to skin care
The luffa cucumber is a creeper plant that grows wild in tropical and temperate regions. The vines grow to 2-3 metres long. Luffa cucumber has been cultivated as food. But above all, it is the spongy texture of the cucumbers that has made the luffa cucumber such a popular plant. The fruits have been used as insulation material, water purifiers, filters in engines and fillers in soldiers’ helmets. In folk medicine, the luffa cucumber has been used for everything from snake bites to stomach problems and malaria. Today, luffa is mostly grown as a scrubbing sponge for deep skin cleansing.
Sowing luffa cucumber
Luffa cucumber needs to be planted in March-April to develop its fruits, or sow it in February if you have access to extra light.
Soak the seeds for at least half an hour before sowing, but preferably about 8 hours. This makes the seed germinate more easily. Then place one seed in each pot at a sowing depth of 1-2 cm. Cover the seed with a transparent lid or plastic with air holes. Keep the seed moist. The best way to do this is to spray or water on the tray, as this reduces the risk of the soil becoming too wet.Be patient with the luffa cucumber, as it can take 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Luffa cucumber is a real heat lover. Therefore, place the seedlings in a warm place, for example on a heating mat, a radiator, underfloor heating or similar. The seedlings thrive particularly well with plant lighting, but a sunny window also works well.
Plant luffa cucumbers in a warm and sheltered spot
Plant out the luffa cucumber when the risk of frost is over. Harden off the plants for a few days by leaving them outside for longer and longer, preferably under a fibre cloth. This will protect them from cold, wind and excessive sun.
Luffa cucumbers will yield the best harvest if they are grown in a greenhouse. Another option is a warm and sheltered location. As the luffa cucumber is a trailing plant, it wants to grow against a trellis or some other type of plant support. Plant in well-fertilised soil at a distance of about 30-40 cm.
Care of luffa cucumber
Luffa cucumber usually does well from pest attacks. Water regularly and fertilise a couple of times during the season. Place grass cuttings or other organic material between the plants. This keeps moisture in the soil, smothers the weeds and adds extra nutrients as they decompose.
Pruning makes it easier for the luffa cucumber to develop large, fine fruits. Cut off the main vine when it has grown to about 2 metres and the side shoots when they have 5-7 leaves.
Like other cucumber plants, the luffa cucumber is pollinated by insects. If the luffa cucumber is grown in a greenhouse, it is therefore important that the door is sometimes left ajar. This allows bumblebees and bees to find their way to the flowers. If you want to support pollination yourself, just dab lightly with a brush from flower to flower.
Drying luffa cucumber for body care or washing up
The fruits of the luffa cucumber are ripe when they have changed color from greenish to yellowish. Harvest them at the end of the season, before the frost comes. Dry the fruits in a warm and airy place. Remove the skin, rinse the luffa and leave to dry for a while before shaking out the seeds. The dried innards are rich in fibre and make a fine sponge for body care or washing dishes. After a period of use, the sponge can be cleaned by rinsing it in hot or boiling water. You can also eat the leaves and fruits of the luffa while they are still small.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-10-14