Gourd - Dishcloth or Lufa

Luffa aegyptiaca. Have you ever thought about growing your own sponges? You can in fact grow Luffa Gourd in Canada, from zones 3 upwards. Also called dishcloth gourds, are an heirloom species that have been grown in North America as early as the 1880’s. Luffa plants are somewhat like cucumbers in growth habit, climbing up and over anything in their path. Providing a 5-6” trellis is necessary. Large 3” yellow flowers are quite striking against the dark green foliage.

Plants thrive in the heat of summer therefore, indoor starts are necessary in most regions of Canada. If you are not interested in drying the fruits for sponges, dishcloths, or strainers, Luffa Gourds can be consumed like squash and cucumbers.