Luffa gourds: unique and useful

Many people think luffa (or loofah) sponges come from the ocean, but these rough-textured exfoliators actually originate from the dried fiber of the luffa gourd. The luffa gourd, Luffa aegyptiaca, is a member of the pumpkin, squash and gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. Gourds date back to 2200 B.C., making them among the oldest cultivated plants in history. Centuries ago, the luffa plant was brought to this country by European settlers. Although the most popular use of the mature Luffa aegyptiaca gourd is for bathing or cleaning, another, slightly softer species, Luffa acutangula, can be eaten if harvested while still green and young, less than 7 inches long. The immature fruit is a nutritious vegetable similar in taste to zucchinis and cucumbers and is often used in Asian cuisine. Luffa plants can be large and sprawling, so give them lots of room in the garden. To get an earlier start on the long growing season they require, consider starting them indoors, soaking the seeds for up to 24 hours before planting. When transplanting into the garden, keep the distance between plants at about 3 feet and the distance between rows at about 6 feet. Vertical trellises of 6 feet in height are recommended to increase fruit yield. The yellow flowers that appear in late summer to early fall attract bees, ants and other pollinators. After the flowers are spent, elongated fruits form up and down the vines. Unlike other members of the gourd family, luffa grows slowly and doesn't mature until well into autumn. The plants need at least six hours of full sun and well-drained soil. Excessive water is detrimental, potentially slowing growth and increasing the risk of root disease. Good air circulation is also important which is why a sturdy trellis is essential. In the right conditions, luffa vines can grow as long as 30 feet. As it matures, the fruit lightens in color and loses water weight. The shell hardens and starts to separate from interior fibers. Typically the vine itself starts to dry as well. When the gourds are tan, light and dry, and the seeds shake inside when rattled, they are ready for harvest. The longer they mature on the vine, the sturdier the sponge, but don't let dried gourds hang in wet weather for any length of time or the sponges will discolor. A mature luffa plant can bear about six to seven fruit in ideal growing conditions. To make your own "loofah" sponge, simply soak the fruit in warm water for 5 minutes to 20 minutes until the skin can be easily stripped off. When the skin is off, remove the seeds and excess pulp and rinse in a 10% chlorine bleach solution to lighten the sponges. Remember, these are annuals so they typically do not overwinter. Cold temperatures can kill the vines, so cover plants lightly if frost is expected before the fruits have matured. One mature luffa fruit contains 30 or more seeds. Store the seeds in a dry, dark place until next year's planting, which typically follows the final frost. Luffa sponges are recyclable and biodegradable and can be stored and used for years. They can also be used as an eco-friendly material in packaging, and/or for water absorption.