UGRA Smooth Luffa, the sponge gourd Seed  (40 per packet)

The sponge gourd, also known as the luffa plant, is famous for its inner sponge, which is used as a handy scrubber primarily for the body, or for countertops, etc. As it is not a typical garden plant, some patience is required for the proper growth and harvest of the luffa. Once harvested the it needs be dried out and the shell can be peeled off, revealing the inner sponge-like texture. It is also used widely in Indian cuisine, in both the southern and northern styles. It is a vine like plant, so it is usually along a fence for support. How To Grow: The luffa plant is a warm season plant and needs to be started in the spring after the cool season has finished, sometime around April. The seeds need to be started earlier in pots for better germination and health of the plant. They should be planted 2 cm deep in pots, and make sure the soil temperature is warm. The plant will germinate in about a week, and after a month, when the seedlings have their first leaves on them, they can be transplanted outdoors. Pro Tip: Needs full sunlight, around 6-8 hours of direct exposure to sunlight, when indoors needs filtered sunlight and a warm environment. Regular watering is needed. Soil should always be kept moist.