Luffa (Luffa cylindrica/Luffa aegyptiaca)

Also known as smooth luffa, ghia, sze kwa. Luffa acutangula (angled luffa/Chinese okra/sing kwa) is bright darker, also available in the package. 

This fast-growing, heat-loving vine is grown two ways: harvest young, tender fruits for cooking, or let fruits fully mature to make natural bath sponges. Trellising keeps fruit clean and simplifies harvest. Start indoors in late April–early May. Soak seeds in hot water (45–55°C) for 20 minutes, then warm water (~30°C) for 24 hours. Transplant after last frost when soil is 15°C+ (best 25–35°C). Space 40–100 cm in-row, 1.5–2.0 m between rows. Harvest in 60–90 days (eating) or 100–140 days (sponges). Frost sensitive.  Chigarden 2026