10 Seeds w/Instructions
Luffa aegyptiaca, the sponge gourd, Egyptian cucumber or Vietnamese luffa, is an annual species of vine cultivated for its fruit. The young shoots, flowers and leaves can be cooked, and the mature seeds can be roasted for consumption. Unlike the young fruit, the fully ripened fruit is strongly fibrous and inedible, and is used to make scrubbing bath sponges. Due to the use as a scrubbing sponge, it is also known by the common names dishrag gourd, rag gourd, sponge gourd, and vegetable-sponges. Harvest for sponges just after the plant dies off. Makes a fabulous gift or craft item for soap making too. An edible oil can be extracted from the seeds. The resulting oil meal can be fed to rabbits and catfish, or used as a fertilizer. Flowers are highly attractive to honey bees.
They do best in tropical and subtropical areas; but can be started off inside to avoid frosts and get a good head-start in cooler climates.
Other Names: Moroccan Luffa, Rodged Luffa, Egyptian cucumber, Vietnamese luffa, Cucurbita luffa, Luffa cylindrica, Luffa aegyptica, Luffa pentandra, Momordica cylindrica, Momordica luffa
