Product Information
- Dual Nature: Luffa gourds, also known as sponge gourds or dishcloth gourds, are fascinating for their dual use. While young, they can be harvested and eaten like summer squash, offering a mild flavor, often used in stir-fries or soups. If left to mature on the vine, the fruit dries out, leaving a fibrous network that becomes a natural sponge.
- Growth Requirements: Luffa gourds require a long growing season and plenty of room due to their vigorous vining habit. They prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture but are sensitive to cold temperatures. Trellising is essential as the vines can climb up to 30 feet, and the fruits can hang down, which helps in preventing rot and ensuring even ripening.
- Harvesting for Sponges: To use luffa as a sponge, the gourds must be left on the vine until fully mature, which is typically indicated by a yellowing or browning of the skin and a lighter, rattly feel when shaken due to the seeds drying out inside. After harvesting, they need to be peeled, the seeds removed, and then soaked and cleaned thoroughly before drying to create the sponges.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Luffa sponges are highly sustainable and eco-friendly. They're biodegradable, renewable, and have natural antibacterial properties making them ideal for personal use or in the kitchen. Not only do they reduce reliance on synthetic sponges, but the cultivation of luffa gourds also supports garden ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators during their flowering stage.
- Quality - All seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
- Quantity - Seed Needs offers generous quantities. You can share with friends and family, or you can save the extra seeds until the following season, if properly stored.
- Packets - Each seed packet displays an artful illustration of the variety to be grown, as well as detailed seed sowing information on the reverse side. They measure 3.25" wide by 4.50" tall.
- Promise - Seed Needs will never knowingly supply GMO based seed products. The vast majority of our seeds are open pollinated & heirloom, with the exception of a few hybrids.
- Germination - Seed Needs packets contain some of the freshest seed available. Direct from the growers. If sown correctly, you will begin seeing results in only a matter of days.
- Freshness - All seeds are packaged in tear resistant and moisture resistant packaging. This keeps the seeds a whole lot fresher than the competitions selection!
