Loofah Starters

Loofah, also sometimes spelled “luffa,” is a versatile plant that grows well in warm climates with long summers and plenty of space to extend its long vines. Loofah belongs to the same family as other gourds, such as pumpkins, cucumbers, squash, and watermelon, and has long been grown for its edible fruits, but when allowed to mature on the vine, they produce very fibrous fruits that can easily be dried and used as sponges.  They can grow 20 feet in length.  Hardy zones 7 to 11.