Apple Loofah, or Luffa acutangula, is a unique variety known for its sweet, apple-like flavor when harvested young. This tender fruit is commonly used in Asian cuisine, often featured in soups and stir-fries. It has a smooth skin and can grow up to a foot long. The plant thrives in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. When allowed to mature, Apple Loofah can be dried and transformed into a natural sponge. Its dual culinary and practical uses make it a delightful addition to any garden, appealing to both gardeners and food enthusiasts.
Loofah (Apple loofah)10 seeds
Apple loofah
Apple loofah has thin skin and thick flesh, and is refreshing and fragrant. It is a Taiwanese variety that can produce fruits in several nodes in a row and has a long harvest period.
Sowing month: (Zone 5/Ottawa, Canada)
Indoor germination and seedling raising in mid-April, or indoor seedling raising 3 weeks before the last frost day, or live broadcast in late May to check the local frost date. Please click here to open and enter the zip code of your area
Growth temperature:
Seed germination temperature 30-32â (86 - 89°F)
Suitable growth temperature 20ď˝35â (68 - 86°F)
Planting method: spot sowing, or wait until the seedlings have 3-5 true leaves and transplant them outdoors, with a plant spacing*row spacing of about 90*120 cm.
When the plant grows to 40 cm high, a bamboo frame can be used to support the stems and vines. Remove all the side vines and melons at the lower nodes of the main vine to promote plant growth. When the branches and vines are too vigorous during the fruiting period, some weaker vines should be removed to increase ventilation and light transmission.
Light: light-loving
Growth cycle: initial harvest about 50 days after transplantation
Harvesting method: melons can be harvested when they grow to 15-20 cm long