ZZZ DISCONTINUED Luffa Seed

This is a fascinating subject that grows wild in India - over here theylike similar growing conditions to Cucumbers and Melons.

As young juvenile fruits they can be harvested when around 4" - 6" (10 - 15 cm) long to provide a sweet tasty vegetable similar to courgette that can be pickled, cooked (in oil with Cumin is traditional) or sliced and eaten raw like cucumber.

To make your own bath sponges or slippers let the fruits grow large before cutting and then carefully peeling before squeezing out the mushy innards under a running tap (this is quite a messy job); finally allow the skeletonised inner core to dry in the sun.

• Sow under protection in pots late February to April.
• Place seeds on end, blunted end pointing downwards in compost - simply push into compost out of sight. Water thoroughly and germinate at a temperature of 75F (24C).
• When seed leaves are developed reduce temperature to around 65 - 70F (18 - 21C).
• Plant out late March (heated greenhouse) or late May (unheated greenhouse), or later if growing outside. Plant two per growbag or straw bale or one per large pot.
• Support the plants with canes and pinch out the growing points when the main stems reach the greenhouse roof.
• Pinch out the tip of each side shoot two leaves beyond female flowers (those with a tiny 'fruit' behind) and pinch out flowerless shoots when they reach 2 feet (60 cm) in length.
• Harvest as required and to encourage repeat fruiting.

• Top Tips
• Protect newly sown seeds from mice. Mice are notorious in 'sniffing out' seed of this nature.
• Keep the soil / compost moist - watering around the plant, not the foliage.