Growing Your Own Sponges: Planning Ahead for Luffa

Growing Your Own Sponges: Planning Ahead for Luffa

One of the most fascinating plants to grow is a gourd nicknamed the Sponge Gourd or Luffa.  Trust me, if you ever grow this and find out you can grow your own sponges, you will be hooked.  So easy, and a renewable way to keep stocked up with bath and kitchen scrubbies.  Since they need a long growing period, it is best to plan ahead for next year, do your research, and find your seed source.  So, while you harvest this year's garden goodies, you can begin your next year's plans.

The luffa sponge gourd, Luffa aegyptiaca (also known as Luffa cylindrica), is a wonder plant that can be used in two ways, first as a delicious edible gourd while young (it tastes slightly sweet and is often compared to zucchini and is commonly used in Asian stir-fries and soups) and then as a fibrous sponge when fully mature.

How to Cultivate

Luffa gourds are vigorous climbers, requiring quite a bit of space and a very long growing season.  They love warm climates, making them ideal for gardeners in USDA Zones 7-11.  In cooler regions, starting seeds indoors is crucial for success.  This plant needs full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily.  Choose a spot that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost, and/or aged manure.  Raised beds are a great option for luffa as it helps with drainage.  To start seeds indoors, you may want to scratch the hard seed coat with a file or soak in warm water 24-48 hours 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.  Plant them one inch deep and maintain soil temperatures of 75-85 degrees.  Biodegradable pots are a plus so you can plant the whole thing directly into the garden and that way roots aren't disturbed.  In warmer climates, seeds can be direct sown with 2-3 seeds in one hill.  You will want to provide support with this vining plant such as a sturdy trellis, arbor or fence.  Without support, the gourds may rot or grow misshapen.  The trellis will promote air circulation and reduce the risk of any fungal infections.  Your aim is for a support at least 6-8 feet tall.  Consistent moisture is important for healthy luffa growth, especially during flowering and fruit development.  They are generally a pretty robust plant, but keep a watch for Cucumber beetles, squash bugs and vine borers.  Hand-pick the pests or use Neem oil (an organic insecticide.  Powdery mildew and downy mildew can occur in humid conditions so space trellises properly and remove the affected leaves quickly.

Harvesting and Using

The beauty of luffa lies in its versatility, depending on when you do your harvesting.  For edible gourds, harvest when they are 4-8 inches long and still tender.  They resemble smooth, light green zucchini at this stage.  The skin is thin and edible, and the flesh can be added to stir fries, soups, curries, stews or even eaten raw in salads.  Prompt harvesting encourages the plant to produce more gourds.  For the sponges, allow the gourds to mature fully on the vine.  This process takes quite a bit of time, typically 100-150 days from planting.  The gourds will turn yellow or brownish, and the skin will become tough and papery.  They will feel very light when fully dry.  Just cut them with a short step attached.  The skin will be relatively easy to peel off.  If it is stubborn, you can soak the gourds in water for a few minutes to soften the skin, or some gardeners gently roll the gourds to crack the skin.  Once peeled, expose the fibrous sponges and numerous black seeds.  Shake the gourd vigorously to dislodge the seeds.  You may want to use a stick or your fingers to remove the stubborn seeds.  You can save any intact seeds for next year's planting.  

The next step is to wash the sponges under running water to remove any remaining pulp or debris.  Or you can soak them in a bucket of water with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for about 30 minutes to whiten them and kill any lingering mold spores.  Rinse them completely after bleaching.  Hang the clean sponges in a well-ventilated area to dry completely.  Good air circulation is crucial to prevent mold.  It may take several days for them to dry completely.  You don't want them to mold, so make sure there is plenty of ventilation.  Once dry, they are ready for use.

Luffa sponges are useful and durable.  They offer a natural, biodegradable alternative to synthetic sponges.  Try making an exfoliating body scrubber to leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed by gently exfoliating dead skin cells.  Use with your favorite soap or body wash in the shower or bath.  You can leave the sponge whole or cut them to size.  It's also a great foot scrubber to soften rough heels and soles.  Small slices of luffa can be used as a natural soap dish, allowing air circulation around the soap to prevent the soap from becoming soft and mushy.  Other uses around the house include a natural, no-scratch dish scrubber, an all-purpose cleaning agent for scrubbing sinks, countertops, and other surfaces, or even use it as a cleaner for the bathroom to scrub tubs, tiles, and showers.  Crafting with the sponges is fun and easy, too.  Slices can be embedded in homemade soaps to provide a "built-in" exfoliating element.  Dried luffa can be used to make natural and safe chew toys for some pets.  And when you are done with them, toss them in the compost as they are fully biodegradable.

Caring for your Sponges

To prolong the life of your sponges, rinse them thoroughly after each use and allow them to dry completely between uses.  Periodically, you can sanitize them by soaking them in a diluted bleach solution or by running them through a dishwasher cycle.  When they start to break down or develop an odor, it's time to replace them.

Get out your next year's garden planner and be sure to add luffa gourds to your list.  From a humble seed, you can cultivate a useful plant of both nourishing food and practical, sustainable tools for home and personal care.  Talk about embodying the spirit of self-sufficiency and eco-conscious living.  You might even think about making a little business from your luffa products!