Luffa aegyptiaca
Luffa is a vigorous vine that is fast growing and hardy. Growing beyond 2m this variety will need a trellis. Young fruits can be peeled and cooked, similar to Zucchini in taste.
Soak seeds overnight before sowing.
After harvesting mature fruit, leave for 2 weeks to dry. Once skin is hard, open the large end and remove the seeds, then soak overnight and remove outer skin. Leave to dry in sun.
10 heirloom seeds
Sowing Information
Plant Type: Annual
Sow When: Temperate: Spring
Sub Tropical: Spring - Autumn
Tropical: Winter
Sow Where: Direct
Sow Depth: 20mm
Germination: 15-25 days with soil between 18-25°C
Position: Full Sun
Plant Spacing: 50cm
Row Spacing: 75cm
Plant Height: 200cm
Harvest: 100-120 days
The image below will help you determine which climate zone you are in, and allow you to choose the best varieties for your area.
Martyman, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons