Loofah sponges are hailed for their super-exfoliation qualities, making them a staple in the shower or tub. Like many, you’re probably quite familiar with this essential personal care accessory; however, you probably don’t know much about where it comes from. If you have ever stopped to think about where loofah sponges originate from, like many, you likely assume that this natural scrubber is a product of the ocean. While that’s a great guess (and it totally seems like it could come from the ocean), in reality, it’s actually the dried, fibrous innards of a species of gourd that shares the same name: Luffa acutangula and Luffa aegyptiaca.
Though no one knows exactly where it originated, it is believed to that loofa gourds, which are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, are native to India. They’re relatively easy to plant, grow, and harvest yourself. Surprised to find that loofah gourd is actually a gourd? Want to learn more? Keep on reading to discover more about this interesting crop and how you can grow your very own natural exfoliating sponges.
About Loofah Gourds
- The botanical name for the Loofah (also spelled “luffa” or “luffah”) gourd is Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrical, is also referred to as the vegetable sponge or dishcloth gourds.
- An annual tropical or subtropical climbing vine, these gourds are primarily grown for their fibrous tissue skeleton, which is coarse, yet soft, and functions very well as an exfoliator, as the fibrous tissue of the gourds sloths off dead skin cells with ease. They can also commonly used as dish sponges.
- The fruit the plant produces are dark green in color and measure, on average, 61 cm long and have an average diameter of 7.6 cm. The flesh of the gourd is white in color and the texture is soft. White beans or seeds in the center turn black when the fruit ages, and the fibrous tissue becomes coarse.
- The young fruits, when they are green in color and less than 7 inches long, can be consumed as squash. The flavor is similar to zucchini, and it is commonly eaten raw or in stews. They are also a great substitute for fresh cucumbers.
- When the fruit of the plant reaches full maturity, it can be used as an organic bath or dish sponge. Some have also claimed that the organic sponge can effectively treat jaundice.

Loofah Gourd: An Overview
- Loofah gourd is a vegetable that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae (also called “cucurbits” or “gourd”) family, of which there an estimated 965 species in about 95 genera. It is related to pumpkin, squash, and zucchini.
- It is believed that the loofah gourd originated in Asia, and that the Egyptians were the first to use the coarse fibrous tissue of the aged gourds as sponges.
- According to David Erickson, a biologist, the loofah gourd arrived in the Americas approximately 10,000 years ago, though radiocarbon dating has found that it arrived in America more than 9,000 years ago. It was considered an “Old World” plant, meaning that it was native to Asia and Africa.
- Settlers brought the plant to America to domesticate it. It is now considered a “utility” species and it was, in fact, one of the first domesticated plants.
- Though it is now primarily used as a bath or dish sponge and has been dubbed the “poor man’s kitchen and bath sponge”, prior to World War II, it was the loofah gourd was used as filters for ships. It has also been used as stuffing for pillows and as insulation.
- When it is growing, loofah gourd doesn’t look like the loofah sponges that are sold in stores. The fruit hangs from a vine, measures about 12 inches long, and yellow flowers grow along with it.
- As mentioned, the loofah gourd is also edible; however, it can only be consumed while it is young, because as it ages, the fibers dry and the interior of the fruit falls out, leaving behind the coarse, yet soft shell that is used as a sponge.
- If you intend on eating the loofah gourd, only consume the young fruits that are dark green in color and measure less than 7 inches long. This gourd offers a wealth of essential nutrients, including various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and lipids, including vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, fiber, manganese, magnesium, copper, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Thanks to nutritional content, consuming the fruit of the loofah gourd plant can offer a variety of health benefits. It boosts cardiovascular health, prevents eye disease, diabetes, and muscle pain, reduces the symptoms that are associated with arthritis, combats migraines, treats anemia, strengthens cognitive health, and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Of course, it also improves the skin health, and not just when the gourd is used as a sponge, but by consuming it, too.
Growing Loofah Gourd
The large gourd of the loofah gourd plant takes around 90 to 120 days to grow, which is a lot longer than other kinds of gourds. If you are growing the plant so that you can use the gourd as a natural bath or dish sponge, you will need to factor in several extra weeks beyond the time the fruit becomes mature for the tough inner fibers to develop and dry out on the fine before it can be harvested. On average, it takes about 150 to 200 days to achieve gourds that can be used as sponges.
Of course, as mentioned, the loofah gourd can be more than a sponge; it’s also an edible fruit that is highly nutritious and can be consumed raw or cooked. If you are intending on growing the plant to eat, it’s important to note that the fruit can only be consumed when it is young; when the skin is dark green and it is measures less than 7 inches long. Do note, however, that the fruit grows rapidly – around an inch-and-a-half each day – so you’ll want to keep a close eye on it so that you can pick it at the right time.
The loofah gourd is a vine that grows about 30 feet long, so growing it on a trellis is highly recommended. Using a trellis isn’t only recommended to conserve space; when the gourds grow on the ground, they tend to become curved and they are more prone disease and rotting, so growing the vine on a trellis helps to prevent the fruit from curving and reduces the risk of rot and disease.
Because loofah gourd is a tropical or subtropical climbing vine, it has to be grown in climates where the weather is warm for prolonged periods of time. It also needs to be exposed to a minimum of six hours of full sunlight; the more sun, the better. Loofah gourd isn’t picky about the type of soil it is grown in, meaning it can be grown in both acidic and alkaline soil; however, the soil does need to drain well, otherwise the plant will become over-saturated, increasing the risk of rot, disease, and ultimately, the plant will die off.
The vines of the loofah gourd plant grow rapidly and robustly. As such, in order to keep the fruit up off the ground and ensure proper circulation, you will need a very sturdy and durable trellis. The trellises that are used to support cucumbers and pole beans would be ideal. Set four-by-four-inch posts 10 feet apart, and install heavy gauge wires at even intervals, horizontally, starting at the bottom of the posts up to the top. In order to train the plant’s vines, hang string on the posts in a V-formation so that the tendrils of the vines have something they can secure themselves to.
- Beautiful - Large full-color packet of Luffa (or Loofah) Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) seeds. Grow your own bath sponge! Luffa is easy to grow, with long hanging gourds that can be peeled and used as an all natural exfoliating bath sponge. Young fruit is edible and can be cooked like okra. Minimum of 2g per packet (about 30 seeds).
- Productive - Luffa germinates after 7-10 days when soil temps are 70-85°F. Plant 1” deep and space 12” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 2-3’ tall with a spread of 8-12’. Gourds will mature in 150-200 days, plant in USDA zones 6-12.
- Smooth Skin - Luffa’s fibrous texture gently exfoliates the skin without scratching it or causing chemical-induced irritation, removing dead skin cells and making your skin feel smooth and radiant. Let your luffa sponge dry fully between showers and replace it every three or four weeks to avoid bacteria buildup.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
- Heirloom. Grow these squash for their fibrous flesh and when dried, you'll have the Best bath Sponges ever! harvest at 7" long for drying into Sponges
- Each packet contains 25 seeds
- Sow outdoors 4 weeks after the average last frost date and harvest in 120 days
- Plant Height is 24". plant spread is 12'. yields 3-7" fruit
- Annual for all growing zones from 1-11. Sunlight exposure = full-sun
- Dual Nature: Luffa gourds, also known as sponge gourds or dishcloth gourds, are fascinating for their dual use. While young, they can be harvested and eaten like summer squash, offering a mild flavor, often used in stir-fries or soups. If left to mature on the vine, the fruit dries out, leaving a fibrous network that becomes a natural sponge.
- Growth Requirements: Luffa gourds require a long growing season and plenty of room due to their vigorous vining habit. They prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture but are sensitive to cold temperatures. Trellising is essential as the vines can climb up to 30 feet, and the fruits can hang down, which helps in preventing rot and ensuring even ripening.
- Harvesting for Sponges: To use luffa as a sponge, the gourds must be left on the vine until fully mature, which is typically indicated by a yellowing or browning of the skin and a lighter, rattly feel when shaken due to the seeds drying out inside. After harvesting, they need to be peeled, the seeds removed, and then soaked and cleaned thoroughly before drying to create the sponges.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Luffa sponges are highly sustainable and eco-friendly. They're biodegradable, renewable, and have natural antibacterial properties making them ideal for personal use or in the kitchen. Not only do they reduce reliance on synthetic sponges, but the cultivation of luffa gourds also supports garden ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators during their flowering stage.
- Quality - All seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Planting Loofah Gourd
Due to the warm temperature and sunlight requirements, and the long growing season, loofah gourd does best when it is seeded directly into the ground. Starting the seed indoors might be tempting, but doing so will tack an additional four to six weeks to the grow time in temperatures that are between 65 and 70 degrees F and full sunlight conditions, which isn’t possible for most home gardeners.
Wait until late spring, when the soil has reached 70 degrees F, to sow the seeds. The soil should be well-draining, and it should be tilled prior and fertilized with organic matter prior to planting the seeds. During the growing season, add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer two to three times. Plant three to four seeds per plant and leave around six feet between each plant.
Watering Loofah Gourd
Once the seeds are planted, you’ll want to keep the soil moist but not soaked until the seedlings have been established. Once established, water the base of the plants about 1 inch weekly when sufficient rain is absent. Avoid watering the vines, as doing so can encourage and spread disease.
Loofah Gourd Propagation
To propagate loofah gourd, collect the seeds from the fruit. Rinse them off and allow them to dry out. Once the seeds are fully dried, set them in an envelope in the cool, dry location, until you are ready to plant them the next growing season.

Conclusion
Whether you want to grow your own natural bath or dish sponges, or your own nutrient-rich fruit, loofah gourd is a great choice. Do note that while the growing season is long and requires patience, by following the tips discussed above, you can successfully grow your own loofah gourd.