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 GB / Ireland
- 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 Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, except young fruit, don't eat if bitter - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- 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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.