{"product_id":"luffa-luffa-786","title":"Luffa Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuffa aegyptiaca\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuffa is the remarkable climbing plant behind the familiar natural bathroom sponge and back scrubber. A vigorous warm-season vine, it produces long green fruits that can either be harvested young as a vegetable or left to mature until the interior develops into the tough, fibrous network used as a natural sponge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung fruits are edible when harvested at approximately 10–15 cm long, before the fibres begin to develop. At this stage they have tender flesh and a mild flavour and can be cooked much like zucchini, particularly in stir-fries, curries, soups and other vegetable dishes. The tender young shoots, leaves and flower buds are also edible when cooked and are used as vegetables in parts of Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor sponges, allow the fruits to mature completely on the vine until the skin becomes dry and the fruit feels lightweight. Peel away the dried outer skin, remove the ends and shake out the mature seeds. The remaining fibrous interior can be washed and dried before use as a natural bath sponge, kitchen scrubber or household cleaning tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite sometimes being called a gourd, Luffa belongs to the cucumber family and thrives under similar warm growing conditions. The vines are vigorous, heavy producers and require a strong trellis, fence or arbour. Allowing fruits to hang from a support also encourages straighter, more evenly shaped luffas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed count: approximately 10 seeds\/g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 7 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Spring to summer; longer growing season in warm frost-free areas\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Spring to early summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring after frost\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Start indoors in spring and transplant after all danger of frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 15–20 mm deep once the soil and weather are reliably warm. In cooler districts, seed can be started indoors to give plants the longest possible growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace plants approximately 60–100 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a strong trellis or other climbing structure, as established vines become large and heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep plants consistently watered during vigorous growth, flowering and fruit development. Regular harvesting of young fruits encourages continued production when growing for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor edible use, harvest fruits young at approximately 10–15 cm long while still tender. For natural sponges, leave fruits on the vine until completely mature and dry before peeling, removing the seeds and cleaning the fibrous interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46375853818074,"sku":"prefix_681c1f721febf8.37191687","price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10g","offer_id":46375853850842,"sku":"prefix_681c1f721fec56.37842619","price":6.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Luffa.jpg?v=1784854668","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/luffa-luffa-786","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}