19 April 2025
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Becky Searle explains how to successfully grow these fascinating plants
Would you like to grow something extraordinary in your polytunnel this year ? If so why not try Luffa cylindrica ? Yes , that ’s right , those uncanny - await sponge you use in the tub can be acquire in your garden !
The Luffa cylindrica sponge is actually the skeleton of a calabash that turn on expectant vine in a similar means to cucumbers . Their immense yellow flowers and fast growing substance abuse make them such a joy to give infinite to in your polytunnel . They offer up such a profuseness of fruits you ’ll most belike be able to dish out the impressive home - grown vegetable sponge to an raiment of Quaker and house next Christmas !
Further loofah employ
you’re able to even discolorise or dye them a range of color for even more horticulture play . Plus , they also work brightly as dish sponges when turn out into slices , saving you money and cut your plastic . Not forget that loofahs are also edible in their early stages and are regard a delicacy in India !
How to produce them
For success in growing loofahs , you must get them started early . They need a retentive growing time of year to produce fruit successfully . At first , they are dull to get going , so you may germinate seminal fluid on a sunny windowsill or a heated propagator in your polytunnel .
The seed coating are tough , so it ’s worth soaking the semen for a few days before planting ; I do this by wrap them in some damp kitchen roll . Plant the semen on its side , just as you would a courgette seed , to keep the compost moist without the risk of seed rot .
Once your seedlings have their seeded player leaves ( cotyledon ) and first coif of lawful leafage , they are ready to plant . If there is still a risk of frost by this time , keep your young plant heated and protected and pot them on . If the atmospheric condition coast is absolved then they can be embed out into the priming coat in your polytunnel .
loofah do need a lot of sun , warmth and place to raise properly , so a polytunnel is the complete place for them .
Do n’t forget to endorse your loofah
I like to do this by using the frame of my polytunnel to create a treillage using strong garden twine . ensure that the support starts low down to give your loofahs the best chance of wax high .
Do also ensure your loofahs are getting pollenate , or the diminished fruit will not properly develop . you could do this by plant some flower in your polytunnel and leave the doors undefended during the day in spring and summer or by hand pollinating like you would a courgette . Your loofahs will grow very quickly and will be expectant at first . Do n’t harvest them when they are like this if you want them for the sponges . rather , hold back . After a time , the loofah will dry out , and the skin will change by reversal browned in places . Once the loofah feel light and vocalize vacuous when you tap it , it is quick to glean . Gently undress back the tegument and stimulate out the seeds inside ( do n’t forget to save them for next year ! ) . Then drown the sponge in warm , soapy water and rack it to get any guck out .
Then simply leave behind it somewhere to dry out , and enjoy !
