Instructions

• 1). Start plants indoors a few weeks before transplanting since luffa plants need four to five frost-free months to produce sponges. Pre-soak luffa seeds in warm water for two days prior to planting. Plant two or three seeds per pot at a depth recommended by your seed packet instructions. After sprouting, thin out the two weakest seedlings before the vines are tall enough to entangle.
  
  
• 2). Harden off transplants by setting them outside in temperate weather in a sheltered area for two to three hours per day. Put the plants in direct sunlight, increasing hours of sunlight per day for a week. Lessen watering over the course of hardening off. Refrain from fertilizing plants until after transplanting to the garden.
  
  
• 3). Plant transplants in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Loosen garden soil and create hills four to six feet apart. Plant two to three transplants per hill. Water thoroughly.
  
  
• 4). Use a tall, sturdy trellis to support growing luffa vines that can reach up to 15 feet in length. "Mother Earth News" magazine suggests pinching back vines at 10 feet to increase the vigor of the plant by producing side shoots.
  
  
• 5). For commercial luffa growers, North Carolina State University recommends fertilizing plants with a side dressing of nitrogen two or three times during the growing season. Use 20 to 25 pounds per acre.
  
  
• 6). Allow gourds to ripen on the vine until the skin turns brown and hardens and the stems turn yellow. Gourds should feel lightweight and rattle from loosened seeds. Cut off the larger end of the gourd and remove the seeds. Soak in water overnight and peel the skin off the gourd to reveal the luffa sponge.
  
  
• 7). Use an alternate method to vine-drying by picking ripe gourds when dark green. Gently squeeze the gourd to test for ripeness. A ripe luffa gourd should make a popping noise, indicating that the sponge is loosening from the skin. Snap off the blossom end cap (where the flower formed) and pull the strands (vascular bundle) up the side of the gourd until the sponge pops out. Remove the seeds and pulp by rinsing thoroughly with water.
  
  
• 8). For lighter-colored sponges, rinse sponges in a 10 percent bleach-to-water solution. Dry clean luffa sponges in sunlight for a week or longer before use.