Item Number: SNV5960
Bath Loofah Compact Vining Gourd Seeds
Grow Your Own Bath Sponges
Compact vining gourds produce durable, fibrous sponges that make excellent natural bath loofahs. Easy to grow in warm, sunny conditions, these plants climb readily on trellises or fences, producing elongated fruits that, when fully matured and dried, reveal their signature sponge-like interior. The dried loofahs are perfect for skin exfoliation, helping to gently scrub and improve circulation during bath or shower use.
In addition to personal care benefits, loofah sponges are versatile for eco-friendly cleaning. Their firm yet flexible texture makes them effective at scrubbing dishes, countertops, and other surfaces without scratching, while their fully biodegradable nature makes them a sustainable alternative to synthetic sponges. The plants thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and benefit from consistent watering and sturdy vertical supports to maximize yields. In cooler regions, start seeds indoors and transplant after the last frost for optimal growth.
Harvest immature fruits for edible use in stir-fries or curries, or allow them to fully mature and dry for sponge production. Once dried, the skin and seeds can be removed to reveal the fibrous network inside, which can be cut to size for bath or cleaning purposes. This dual-use crop offers both practical household benefits and the satisfaction of growing a sustainable, zero-waste product.
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Scientific Name: Luffa cylindrica
Planting Season: Warm season
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Growth Habit: Vining
Uses: Natural bath sponge, cleaning scrubber, edible when young
Seed Count: Approx. 18
Weight: 1.75 g
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Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Weight: 0.01 lb
Dimensions: 4.5"L x 3.125"W x 0.1"H
Features
Features
- Good for Drying
- Grow on a Trellis
- Heirloom
- Requires Summer Water
- Suited to Warmer Climates
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Soil & Water:Gourds require full sun, very rich, fertile soil and warm temperatures. Provide consistent moisture.
Planting & Growing: It is best to start indoors sowing 1 inch deep in container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and m oist and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are well established and nights stay above 55 degrees, acclimate them to outdoors, Transplant into a sunny garden edge to ramble or place 12 inches apart along a fence or trellis to climb. To start outdoors, sow after night temperatures stay above 55 degrees. Sow 2 or 3 seeds 1 inch deep in groups spaced 12 inches apart and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to 1 or 2 strongest seedlings per group. Hand pollinate gourds for best yields.
Harvesting & Storage:Harvest when fully matures with brown and dry outer rinds, are very light for their size and seeds rattle inside. Peel off the dark outer rind, exposing the fibrous interior . Cut open end to shake out seed. Soak loofahs for an hour in a week bleach solution to whiten. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
