Luffas are best grown on stakes or trellis so that the fruit rests on the ground as little as possible. Since some fruit weighs about 3 lbs., it is important that these stakes and trellis be strong. Soil should be rich and well drained. Plant in spring or early summer for fall harvest. Plant as early as possible as soon as danger from frost is past. Spraying is not recommended except when advised by authorities as it is usually able to resist most pests. In cold weather areas, to get an earlier start, try to start seed indoors in the winter if possible and then plant out seedling in the spring when danger of frost is over.

Generally speaking, cultivation is similar to growing cucumbers and melons.

HOW TO PREPARE LUFFA FOR SPONGES

1. Let ripen and dry on the vines.

2. Place ripe fruit in buckets or tanks of running water for a few days until outer wall goes to pieces and then can be easily removed. Also, remove seed at same time.

3. Small amount of non-fibrous material is removed by further wetting, and cleaned sponges are then exposed to sun and air until they are dried and bleached.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide is sometimes used to bleach to attain the lightest color for commercial sales.