{"product_id":"luffa-gourd","title":"Luffa Gourd","description":"\u003cp\u003eLuffa Gourd seeds (\u003cem\u003eLuffa aegyptiaca\u003c\/em\u003e) — grow your own natural sponge right in your backyard! Also known as loofah, this fascinating tropical vine produces long, cylindrical gourds that, when dried and peeled, reveal a fibrous interior perfect for use as a bath sponge, kitchen scrubber, or exfoliating tool. Beyond their practical uses, luffa plants are vigorous, beautiful climbers with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators all season long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine harvesting your own zero-waste, all-natural loofahs from your garden — a truly unique and rewarding growing experience that makes for wonderful gifts too. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart indoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–6 weeks before last frost date — luffa needs a long growing season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant seeds 1\/2 inch deep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7–14 days at 75–85°F (24–29°C); soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to speed germination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTransplant outdoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e After last frost when soil is consistently warm (70°F+)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–18 inches apart; provide a sturdy trellis or fence — vines can reach 15–30 feet!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (8+ hours per day)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply and consistently; 1–2 inches per week\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, well-draining soil (pH 6.0–6.8); amend with compost for best results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90–120 days from transplant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong\u003eapprox. 20 seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest for eating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick young at 4–6 inches for a mild, zucchini-like flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest for sponge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave on vine until fully mature and skin turns brown; peel, shake out seeds, and rinse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTip: Luffa loves heat and a long season — in cooler climates, start early indoors and use black plastic mulch to warm the soil. A strong trellis is a must!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Seed Baskets ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48239050358998,"sku":null,"price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/9841\/1222\/files\/luffa-gourd-on-trellis-in-garden.png?v=1778462376","url":"https:\/\/theseedbaskets.org\/products\/luffa-gourd","provider":"The Seed Baskets ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}