Growing loofahs.

by Sparhawk 22nd January 2011, 10:10 pm

I was in between work breaks reading one of this months gardening mags, whistle2

(Saturdays are quite quiet...), & I found out that loofahs aren't sea plants they are actually part of the squash family that are dried out & used in the bathroom, they also suggested that they can be used as kitchen scourers, which I had never thought of before...

But that then took me to the logical conclusion that if I grow some, we would save money on scourers, & they can be composted after use...

I'm going to look into it a bit more... bigthink

by Becci 22nd January 2011, 10:25 pm

Very interesting

by Compostwoman 22nd January 2011, 10:26 pm

Ok Spar, I have the answer!

If you got to Rhonda Jean's excellent blog down to earth

and then find the start of a series of posts on growing luffas

all will be explained, including where to get seeds in the UK.

I know from members on here Leanne has had a go at growing them and I think also Luath. I am trying to grow them this year, having had a bit of a watering disaster last year..........(not my fault! I gave the seedlings to someone else to look after when I was ill...)

by Sparhawk 22nd January 2011, 10:28 pm

Thanks for that, I will have a read, & think I have found some seeds on fleabay in cas I think its a goer...

by Adrian 22nd January 2011, 10:43 pm

Interesting, I think I may have a look into having a grow as well...

by Compostwoman 22nd January 2011, 10:49 pm

Would it be worth sharing the cost of buying a packet of seeds, seening as we each onnly want one or two plants ?

by Adrian 22nd January 2011, 11:13 pm

Ah, count me out, just done a spot of research and they are a zone 10 plant, they would need some serious nurture in my greenhouse over the summer and I need that space for my hot pepper addictions..

by Compostwoman 22nd January 2011, 11:21 pm

Badger wrote:Ah, count me out, just done a spot of research and they are a zone 10 plant, they would need some serious nurture in my greenhouse over the summer and I need that space for my hot pepper addictions..

Rhonda Jean has them down as Zone 4?

Maybe if one of us grows them to fruition, they could send you one? A HML forum Luffa?

by Adrian 22nd January 2011, 11:25 pm

Funny

I have just read through about 10-15 propagation sites, each calling them a zone 10 - then come across one calling them zone 5-10

I am a 6b/7 so may give one a shot in the greenhouse

by Compostwoman 23rd January 2011, 12:11 am

Having had a bit more of a read around the web..I think the Austrailian zones are different..... Rolling Eyes

by Adrian 23rd January 2011, 1:12 am

the ones you have been looking at?

by boobiejuicemama 23rd January 2011, 8:24 am

Compostwoman wrote:Having had a bit more of a read around the web..I think the Austrailian zones are different.....

ooh this might be a good new project for me to share with my neighbours! and if I can get some before the end of the year I can include them in my home made Christmas gift baskets <3

by Sparhawk 23rd January 2011, 6:04 pm

Compostwoman wrote:Having had a bit more of a read around the web..I think the Austrailian zones are different.....

Upside down per chance? Laughing

by boobiejuicemama 23rd January 2011, 9:44 pm

hah hah hah very funny Razz

by Compostwoman 23rd January 2011, 10:26 pm

Compostwoman wrote:Having had a bit more of a read around the web..I think the Austrailian zones are different.....

Apparently around 6-7 numbers lower than the US scale. According to Wikipedia

So that would make them a 9 or 10 which would make them do able in the UK outside in a good year...( I am in zone Cool

I would think my polytunnel would be OK, if I got them in early enough, as they need a very long growing season...

by Sparhawk 23rd January 2011, 11:19 pm

In between work breaks today I was reading another of this months mags, & it too mentioned loofahs, one person had grown theirs in polytunnels in Pembrokshire, in 2009 they managed 5 - last year over 50...

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