Luffa
Quick grow facts
Sun
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Soil
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Pot size
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Water
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Fertilizer
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Pollination
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Propagation
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Pests & diseases
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Look out for (Houston)
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What it is
Sponge gourd is an annual climbing vine in the cucumber family. Despite its common use as a bath sponge (typically called luffa or loofah), it is a vegetable bearing yellow flowers that mature to fruits that are edible when young (typically less than 7 inches long and green) and can be eaten as squash or fresh cucumber substitute. (Species-level info; not specific to this variety.)
NC State ExtensionWhy grow/eat it
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How to use it
Young fruits that are less than 7 inches long can be eaten as squash or fresh cucumber substitute. Seeds can be roasted and eaten.
NC State ExtensionHarvest in Houston
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Cautions
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, and various leaf spot diseases are possible. Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, thrips, aphids, and spider mites can be problematic.
NC State Extension