The loofah, known as a vegetable sponge, is a vine from the cucumber family. It is popularly eaten as a vegetable in China, Vietnam, India, and other countries. Let’s know all about growing loofah in pots. You can plant it as a vegetable or grow it to make a natural sponge. In this article we will see how to sow, grow a potted sponge and its maintenance.
Contents
How to plant loofah
You can easily find loofah seeds at a local nursery or garden center. Always buy new seeds for propagation. The ideal time to start sowing is in the spring, but you can also do it during the summer.
After collecting the seeds, take a file or sandpaper and scrape off the outer layer a little. Soaking them in hot water for 24 hours also helps with germination.
Insert your finger into the soil making a hole about two centimeters and place the seeds. Cover them completely and water sparingly.
Check the humidity daily and don’t let the soil dry out completely. The seeds will germinate in 4 to 10 days. When the plants have at least two pairs of leaves, you can transplant them into a larger pot.
Ideal pot for growing loofah
To grow loofah in a pot, choose one over 12 inches deep and wide. It can be made of any material, just make sure it has adequate drainage holes in the bottom.
A 40cm pot or bucket is suitable for growing a plant if you are growing it for edible purposes.
Requirements for growing loofah in a pot
Position
Like other gourds, the loofah likes heat and exposure to the sun. Place your loofah plant in a position where it receives a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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The plant thrives in well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7. When growing loofah in a pot, never use regular garden soil. Ideally, give it a mix of potting soil and compost in equal parts.
Irrigation
The key is to keep the soil slightly moist at all times without overwatering the plant. The roots can rot if there is insufficient drainage and too much water in the pot.
Remember to always water in the late afternoon or very early in the morning, when the sun is not too strong.
Support
Being a vine, you have to provide it with support. Choose a tall trellis that won’t tip over or tie it to a rope that goes up.
This vine can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in optimal weather conditions, so if you regularly remove the fruit for cooking, you can also grow them in a pergola or gazebo.
Potted Loofah Care
Fertilization
A few days after transplanting the seedlings, mix a low-dose slow-release all-purpose fertilizer into the soil or cover the container with 20% well-rotted manure or compost
Halfway through growth, when the plant begins to flower, feed it again with a balanced, medium-strength liquid fertilizer.
To note: This second or third dose of fertilizer is not necessary and should be continued if slow growth is observed.
Cut
It is a fast growing vine, growing too long in a short time. It will need to be pruned regularly for it to grow optimally.
Get rid of diseased, damaged, burned and deformed stems and leaves often. Also cut away tangled stems that bunch together and reduce air circulation.
Plagues and diseases
Loofahs often suffer from powdery mildew, which tends to occur in humid climates. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent this. As for pests, watch out for aphids, scale insects and slugs.
harvest loofah
The plant will be ready to harvest in about 60 to 70 days, after sowing. Pick the fruits when they are tender and soft, about 15 cm long. The longer you wait, the more “not so good” they will taste.
It may also be interesting to read: 15 vegetables that can be grown in plastic bottles
If you want to use the sponge, you have to wait for the green color to fade. By then, the loofah will be very light. This indicates that the fibers have started to grow. Dry and peel the fruit to reveal the sponge inside.
Uses of Loofah
- It is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins C and A, riboflavin, zinc, thiamin, iron and magnesium.
- It is an excellent vegan vegetable, which can be eaten raw, just like cucumbers.
- It can be used in dishes in place of squash, zucchini or okra.
- In the Indian subcontinent, a nutritious curry is prepared with it.
- It can be a great addition to soups, curries, chutneys and stir-fries.
- It can also be steamed and added with soy sauce. Add garlic and golden chili peppers for extra flavor.
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