Also called Chinese okra or ridged gourd,Angled luffa,Egyptian cucumber, and also known as Vietnamese luffa . This special is a natural dishcloth, . Many ladies prefer this dishcloth.
The vigorous plant has a heavy fruit set of ridged, dark green, club-shaped fruits that are best harvested about 18” long and 2” in diameter.
Note that Chinese okra may be named for 2 Species Luffa acutangula and Luffa aegyptiaca with the same genus Cucumis.
Planting Luffa aegyptiaca
Luffa aegyptiaca requires a long, warm growing season
Prepare fertile, well drained soil after all danger of frost in spring. Mix fertilizer with the loosened soil.
The seed coat is hard and should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours or lightly scarified before sowing.
Sow the luffa seeds at a depth equal to half their length in a warm, sunny location.
Hill planting: Create hills using a garden hoe. Leave approximately 6 feet between each hill.
Form soil into a 1-ft. diameter mound 3-4’ tall. Space mounds 4-6’ apart. On each mound plant 1-2 seeds.
Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Hand pollination may be necessary. Train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation, straighter fruit and ease of harvest.
Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer one week after flowers appear.Feed the plants again with high-nitrogen fertilizer in three weeks.
To process for luffa sponges, allow gourds to hang on the vine until they are fully mature and the skin dries and hardens. Remove skin and seeds.
Buying Luffa aegyptiaca seeds
For US and Canada growers : Buy bull seeds from kitazawaseed or retail packet form parkseed ( $2.95 for 25 seeds )
Asia grower can buy from TM Garden or Vuon cua Bon
International buyer can buy directly from Amazon here.