From the cucumber and marrow family, the Luffa is a rather curious example which originates from America. After drying, the fibrous internal structure of the Luffa magically transforms itself into a' sponge', 30cm (12 inches) long. Home-grown sponges, whatever next?! Treated as a half hardy annual in all areas, Luffa can be grown on any ordinary soil in a position of full sun. Climber.

Please note that due to the nature of our exotic range of seeds, some varieties are more challenging and may require more care and patience to grow than other less exotic varieties. However we wish you every success and hope you agree that they are definitely worth the effort.

Sow February to May. Soak seed in warm water for 2 hours before sowing. Germinate singly in pots, at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite, 6mm (¼in) thick. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light at any stage as this is beneficial to germination.

Plant out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in a moist, well drained soil in full sun.

Provide support to allow plants to trail or climb, and give a humid atmosphere. Pollinate the female flowers (which have a green fruit behind them) by brushing the male flowers (which have no fruit) against them. Treat as a Half Hardy Annual.