Luffa - SeedsLuffa cylindricaLoofah, Sponge Gourd

Seeds should be started off 2 seeds per 9cm (3 1?2") pot early in the year in a good quality seed compost 2cm (1") deep in a heated propagator 25-28°C (77-82°F) and kept moist, not wet. Germination up to 21 days. As plants grow they need to be potted on into larger containers and kept inside or in a heated greenhouse (small canes will be needed as they begin to climb) until late May when they can be planted into a cold or heated greenhouse 50cm(20") apart. Plants will need netting/canes or wires to grow up and should be given plenty of space.

Best grown in a warm, humid greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 15C (60F). Plant at a spacing of 45cm (18"). Water well after planting until fully established. Water plants regularly, apply greenhouse shading as required and create a humid atmosphere by regularly spraying or damping down pathways.

Train the main shoots onto canes until they reach the top of their support and then pinch out the growing point. Pinch out side-shoots once fruit begins to develop, leaving two leaves after each fruit. As fruit matures it will dry out and the skin will turn brown. Harvest and remove the skin and seeds then wash and dry the fibrous core before use.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large Non-standard items may incur a higher, lorry delivery charge. Charges will be calculated at checkout, but an example of the lorry charges are listed below.

• Red - £9.99.
• Purple - £2.99.

For more information please visit our delivery charges information page by clicking here.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.