How to grow Luffa or Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) from seeds 絲瓜種子孵法

How to grow Luffa or Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) from seeds 絲瓜種子孵法

Skeleton of aged fruit of Luffa aegyptiaca 絲瓜絡

Luffa or Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) seed germination. 絲瓜種子孵出.

Luffa or Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) seed germination. 絲瓜種子孵出並長出本葉.

Fruit and flowers see Wikipedia:

Luffa aegyptiaca, aka Egyptian cucumber, aka Vietnamese luffa, aka sponge gourd.  It is an annual vine, very common veggie in Asia.  The tender fruit is for veggie and the aged fibrous skeleton of the fruit is the most environmental friendly scrubber for households.   In old days, the fluid of the vine (use sharp knife to cut a wound to get the fresh liquid) has been used for facial lotion/mask for cooling, hydration and reducing wrinkles.  It is also medicinal plant.   

It is very easy to grow from seeds.  It prefers full sun to partial shade location with structure support to cling on.   Male and female yellow flowers in the same plant.  Easy to fruit.   

1.Get the seeds from ripen fruit, the seeds are black and flat.  (See the seed image.) Plant the seeds in moist warm location.   About 1-3 days, seeds will sprout.   Use protection for seedlings if your planting area has animal problem.

1.從熟瓜中取出種子或曬乾的絲瓜絡敲出種子.  成熟的種子是黑色扁平有點厚度的. (見圖) 將種子置於溼潤的土表放在溫暖的地方在1-3天就會出芽.  若鄰近有野生動物會破壞/吃掉種子或挖土的話要保護種子或小苗.

2.Transplant the seedlings when they have 4-6 leaves and plant them in the ground or in large planters.  Keep them in moist but well drained soil in full sun to partial shade location.   It prefers growing in warm temperature.

2.小苗長出4-6片本葉後可以移植,以地植為佳,深盆次之.  全日照並維持一定土壤溼度,另外須建攀爬用支架以利快速生長.  它喜熱喜強光並需適時施肥和灌溉.