Luffa aegyptica - Luffa / Sponge Gourd / Loofah - 10 seeds

This vigorous Curcubit climber is native to South and SE Asia and is both edible when young and makes a great exfoliating sponge!
 
It grows as a vigorous annual vine, has showy yellow flowers and young fruits (up to 10cm long) can be cultivated and eaten, tasting similar to Squash or Zucchini but more commonly it is grown as a bath sponge by harvesting mature fruits in the Autumn when the Gourds are light brown and dry, the seeds will rattle when the fruit is shaken.
Be sure to give this a good sturdy trellis as it needs support to hold the fruit.
 
To make the sponge is quite simple, soak the fruit in warm water for about 20 minutes or until the skin can be removed, then remove the seeds and excess pulp, then rinse in a 105 chlorine bleach solution to lighten the sponge.
 
This is a great alternative to plastic puffs or sponges and is non abrasive but tough on dirt so can be used on your body or even around the house for general cleaning!
 
Best in tropical and tropical climates with good air circulation in well drained soil that is enriched with good amount of compost or well rotted manure and needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day to grow well.
 
10 premium quality seeds shipped on receipt of cleared funds.