Luffa operculata
A tender, tendril-climbing vine with rough-textured, maple-shaped leaves to 15cm across. From summer to autumn it produces bright yellow to 4cm across. From mid-summer ovoid fruits begin to form; these are 10cm long with spiny ridges. Young fruits can be eaten as a vegetable. If left to mature the skin can be picked off, the seeds removed, and the fibrous body used as an abrasive sponge
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, except young fruit, don't eat if bitter. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Luffa are a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family which can be eaten when young, used as a loofah sponge or in some countries, combined with other materials to make furniture or houses. Leaves are large and dark green and the fruit green with a rough texture like a gourd
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, plant in large pots or direct into the greenhouse border with support for the climbing tendrils; provide high humidity and shade from hot summer sun. Outdoors plant out in early summer against a sunny fence with climbing support. Luffas need a long growing season for the fruits to mature
Propagation
Sow seeds at 21-24°C in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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