I decided earlier this year to try my luck with a loofah plant. I think for someone who thought they grew in the sea i’ve Done quite well lol. My question is how do I harvest? With the weather on the turn i’m Going to have to harvest soon but my reading says I should leave them until they go brown? Any help and advice would be much appreciated Thank you
Here are two sources that will help you to care for, and harvest these wonderful fruit!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/luffa-gourd-planting.htm
I have four Luffa plants and the first plant that bloomed produced a fruit. There have been several other blooms but they just drip off and don't produce any fruit. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for any help or guidance. Maurice
Here are some possibilities including lack of pollination:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/why-healthy-blooms-fall.htm
Question: I'd like to know, if I plant a luffa vine close to a tree, will it damage or kill my tree? Thank you
No, these are short lived, and will cause no harm to trees. This article will give you more information on luffa: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/luffa-gourd-planting.htm
Please let me know the ideal variety of luffa that is cultivated especially to obtain the sponge from their fruit and from where I can buy the seeds?
All cultivars of the Luffah Gourd will produce the sponges. As far as where to get seeds- We don't recommend specific places to purchase. I would try local nurseries, or online such as Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay. They have vendors that will have what you are looking for.
Here is an article that will give you information on the care of these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/luffa-gourd-planting.htm
Hello I just came across this info on growing luffas. My plants are about 45 days old, is it too late to take off the bottom 4 branches? I have gourds growing and some of the vines are 10 long. 2nd question. I have a young sugar apple tree and found out I have to pollinate it. I have males but the females are too small.
My research says it's fine to cut the primary vine in May or June, so I'm sure this is fine.
I'm sending links to two articles that will be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-tree-pollination.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/luffa-gourd-planting.htm
the plant is growing fast like weeds but not producing neither male nor female flower. What did I miss? Thanks, Anna
It seems likely that there is too much nitrogen in soil, and not enough phosphorus and potassium. This, or a pH issue can cause these symptoms.
I would make sure to test for deficiencies or pH swings and correct them. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
Having large luffa's on the vine and how to force them to mature. Should I cut off new growth or allow it to continue? What will help them mature and dry?
You won't be able to get them to mature faster. They just take a very long time to do so. Patience is key, here.
Here are some article that will help you to grow and trim them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/luffa-gourd-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/gourd/luffa-pruning-tips.htm