Luffa Gourds

Three kinds of luffa gourd, or vegetable sponge, are grown in the U.S. Many luffas are mixtures of the two varieties. Their large, bright yellow flowers last the day. A miniature version is less widely grown.

– Dishrag Luffa: Luffa Cylindrica is by far the most commonly grown in the U.S. They can grow 4-inch diameter & 30-inches long.

– Ridged Luffa: Luffa Acutangular gets its name from ten ridges in its papery outer shell. This zucchini-like fruit is about 3 inches in diameter, 12 inches in length.

– Mini luffa: Also called the hedgehog gourd. About the size of a golf ball, these gourds are covered with spikes and have a very fine inner sponge.