You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
Propagation Methods: From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting: Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
I had just moved so I was starting my garden late (mid May). I planted one of these in my raised beds in Eugene, OR and it grew to about 7-8 feet with beautiful yellow flowers. My mom (outside Salem, OR) also had one but hers died after transplanting. I hear they become bitter and fibrous if the "fruits" grow beyond about 6". I got two "fruits" from this and harvested them early to avoid the bitter taste and toughness. They were very good in a stir fry. I often see these in Asian markets but they are sold about 18" long (I've yet to try them to see if they're bitter). I also hear that you can use Angled loofa as a loofa sponge if you let them grow very large but Luffa cylindrica is a better choice as it makes a superior sponge than Luffa acutangula, which is mainly used for eating.
On Sep 10, 2006, cowtrailrd from Shawnee, OK wrote:
We grow this plant in containers to climb on a chain link fence. It would grow very high if one wished. We only use it for frying like regular okra. when picked about 1" around it is breaded and fried like other okra. We like it because of heavy production in a small area and the plants are not spiny like normal okra. Also it is not sticky or gooey. It can be frozen after slicing and put in freezer bags. As much as desired can later be taken out easily.
On Jun 27, 2005, kbmartin39 from Morgan, TX wrote:
Very very interesting to grow.. Must have something to climb on.. it's definitely a vine!! Ive also posted a picture of it in it's early stages.. They are great for washing hard to get dirt off your hands, or any part of the body.. just like a loofah!! Plenty of seeds inside it's hollow body.. and I use them to replant new ones every year... see pic...
On Nov 28, 2004, darrow from Cedar Creek, TX wrote:
VERY SATISFYING TO GROW ,MY KIDS HAD A BLAST WITH THESE. GROW FOR THE FIBEROUS SPOUNGE IT PRODUCES WHEN MATURE . CAN BE HARVESTED WHEN THE GOURD TURNS A LIGHT GREEN TO YELLOW COLUOR FOR A SOFTER SPONGE. USE FOR BATH,WASHING DISHES AND GROUND UP AND ADDED TO YOUR HOMEADE SOAP.
On Nov 12, 2003, Michaelp from Orange Springs, FL (Zone 8b) wrote:
Similar to Luffa cylindrica (Smooth Loofah), except it has about 10 raised ridges running the length of the fruit. The fruits are edible when young, but they become bitter as they mature (also purgative.)
These also make good bath sponges.
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Gainesville, Florida Largo, Florida Sanderson, Florida Louisville, Kentucky Lafayette, Louisiana Hulbert, Oklahoma Eugene, Oregon Lake City, South Carolina Pawleys Island, South Carolina Cedar Creek, Texas Morgan, Texas
9 members have or want this plant for trade.
