🌱 How to Grow Sponge Gourd (Luffa) from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: तोरई / नेनुआ (Torai / Nenua)

• Tamil: சுரைக்காய் (Suraikkai)

• Telugu: బీరకాయ (Beerakaya)

• Malayalam: പീച്ചിങ്ങ (Peechinga)

• Kannada: ತುರುಯ (Turai)

• English: Sponge Gourd / Luffa / Vegetable Sponge

• Botanical Name: Luffa cylindrica

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season vine crop

• Best time to sow: Spring to early monsoon (Feb–Jul)

• Ideal temperature: 25°C to 35°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loamy, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix compost, cow dung, and neem cake before sowing

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Soak seeds in water overnight to speed up germination

• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • 2–3 feet between plants

  • 4–5 feet between rows (or provide space for vine to spread)

• In containers: Use 18–24 inch pots with support/trellis

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy

• Water more during flowering and fruiting stages

• Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 6–10 days

• Provide warmth and sunlight

• Thin out weak seedlings early

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Prefers warm temperatures; protect from frost

• Use vertical trellis or fencing for best yield

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Use compost or vermicompost every 2–3 weeks

• Apply banana peel tea or potassium-rich organic liquid fertilizer during flowering

• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: fruit flies, aphids, red pumpkin beetle

• Diseases: downy mildew, powdery mildew

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

• Prune yellow/diseased leaves and ensure good airflow

9. 🥬 Harvesting

• First harvest in 45–60 days

• Harvest when fruits are young and tender (6–8 inches long)

• Check daily; overripe fruits become fibrous

• Cut with scissors or knife to avoid damaging the plant

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Let a few fruits ripen fully until brown and dry on vine

• Peel outer shell to collect the dry sponge and seeds

• Dry seeds completely before storing for next season

🌿 Health Benefits of Sponge Gourd

• High in water and fiber – promotes digestion

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

• Supports liver health and detoxification

• Low in calories – good for weight watchers