Bonanza Extra Long Angled Luffa Seeds - Grow Your Own Loofah Sponges - Heirloom SeedsLuffa acutangulaListing is for 1 packet of 10 seeds Watch my how to grow luffa from seeds YouTube video tutorial here: https://youtu.be/UveaM3vyA54 Unlike the smooth luffa variety, Bonanza angled luffa produces distinct, ribbed fruits/gourds that are prized for their dual purposes. When harvested young, they make a delicious, tender vegetable perfect for stir-fries, soups, and curries, with a flavor and texture similar to zucchini. Angle varities are better than smooth for eating purposes. Left to mature, the fruits dry out to form fibrous sponges, ideal for natural cleaning and skincare use. Luffa aka Loofah, is a tropical plant and thrives during the hot and rainy summers of Florida and the Southern United States. It is sensitive to cold weather and frost can kill the entire vine. The vines are vigorous, grow quickly, and get very big. Some gardeners like to grow it up a large tree for support. I grow mine on metal trellises because each luffa gets heavy. This is so much fun to grow. The bees and pollinators love the bright yellow flowers. This does require a long warm growing season to be able to harvest luffa gourds at the right stage for making into sponges, at least 90-120 days. PLANTING INSTRUCTIONSGermination: 14-21 daysSeed Sowing Depth: 1/2” deep Sowing: Please note, luffa seeds can be hard to germinate. Here are my recommendations for the best germination. 1. Soak seeds for 24 hours. It helps to knick a corner of the seed shell to allow more water into the seed with a nail clipper. 2. It needs warm soil temperatures. Can direct sow once outside temperatures are consistently in the 70F's or above. Or start seeds in doors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In warmer climates (zones +9) can also direct sow or start seeds in June/July to get another harvest before winter comes. 3. If your going to start seeds indoors, sow in solo cups or larger pots because they grow quickly.4. I highly recommend the use of a heat mat to speed up germination. I start seeds in solo cups, place them inside a plastic tote/storage box with a heat mat at the bottom, then seal the top with plastic wrap. This will trap heat and humidity which will help increase germination. Once they germinate, remove the plastic top and place under grow lights. I use 5000K shop lights. Days to maturity: 90-120 days My other YouTube videos about growing, harvesting, and using luffa sponges How to quickly peel the skin off luffa gourds: https://youtu.be/tc0p7JrPhlI How to make exfoliating luffa soap bars: https://youtu.be/d0sewdlUPLU
