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Luffa Gourd — Squash | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Luffa Gourd
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

125days to harvest

7-14 daysdays to germinate

Z8–11USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost (seeds need warmth), transplant after soil reaches 70°F; or direct sow in warm climates (zones 8+) after last frost

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Regular, consistent moisture; 1-2 inches per week via deep soaking
Soil: Well-draining loam, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
Spacing: 36-48 inches
Height: 30-50 feet

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Green (immature), golden-tan to brown (mature)
Size: 36-48"
Shape: Long, cylindrical
Flavour: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet flavor similar to young zucchini; tender texture; best when harvested immature

In the kitchen

Sautéed, roasted, added to curries and stir-fries, stuffed and baked; mature fruit used as natural bath and kitchen sponge

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Generally resistant; occasional squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and spider mites in stressed plants
Diseases: Strong resistance to powdery mildew and fusarium wilt; susceptible to rot in poor air circulation or excessively wet conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
3	—	—	June – July	November – October
4	—	—	June – July	October
5	—	—	May – June	October
6	—	—	May – June	October – November
7	—	—	April – June	September – November
8	—	—	April – May	September – October
9	—	—	March – April	August – September
10	—	—	February – April	July – September
11	—	—	January – March	June – August
12	—	—	January – March	June – August
13	—	—	January – March	June – August

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumsRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects

MarigoldsDeters nematodes, aphids, and cucumber beetles with their strong scent

RadishesRepels cucumber beetles and squash vine borers, breaks up soil for gourd roots

BeansFix nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding gourds, provide ground cover

CornProvides natural trellis support for climbing luffa vines

CatnipRepels ants, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly attack squash family plants

DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests

SunflowersProvide vertical support structure and attract pollinators essential for gourd fruit development

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, may harbor diseases that affect squash family

Aromatic herbs (Sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit germination and growth of cucurbit seeds and seedlings

MelonsShare same pests and diseases, creating concentrated targets for cucumber beetles and powdery mildew

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 26
Protein (g): 0.52
Fat (g): 0.2
Carbohydrate (g): 5.64
Sugars (g): 3.54
Vitamin C (mg): 4.5
Vitamin E (mg): 0
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.058
Folate (µg): 22
Calcium (mg): 9
Iron (mg): 0.17
Magnesium (mg): 10
Phosphorus (mg): 12
Potassium (mg): 205
Zinc (mg): 0.07

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Luffa Gourd

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Luffa Gourd?

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