Luffa acutangula Seeds - Cucumber, 10 seeds

Quantity: 10 Seeds / pack

Luffa acutangula, commonly called Angled Luffa, Ridge Gourd, or Chinese Okra (Luffa acutangula), is a vigorous warm-season vine. The young, ridged fruits are eaten as a vegetable — peel the ridges and cook like zucchini — while mature fruits dry into natural sponges.

Seed Information

• Type: Vegetable Seeds
• Common Name: Angled Luffa, Ridge Gourd, Chinese Okra
• Botanical Name: Luffa acutangula
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Moderate to high; keep soil moist
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing vine, up to 30 ft; needs a strong trellis
• Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, fertile soil
• Planting Time: Sow after the last frost, when soil is warm (above 65°F / 18°C)
• Days to Maturity: About 76 days for edible fruit

Growing Instructions

• When to Plant: Sow directly after the last frost in thoroughly warm soil. In short seasons, start indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in large pots.
• Soil: Rich, fertile soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure; luffa is a hungry feeder.
• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Watering: Water regularly and deeply; do not let the soil dry out during fruiting.
• Spacing: Soak seeds in warm water for 24–48 hours to soften the hard coat. Sow 1/2 in deep, spacing plants about 3 ft apart.
• Germination: 7–14 days at 70–85°F (21–29°C).
• Harvest: Pick young fruits under 6 in long for eating — peel the ridges and boil, steam, or stir-fry. Mature fruits turn bitter and inedible; leave a few to dry on the vine for sponges.
• Tips: Provide a sturdy trellis or fence — the heavy vines and fruit need strong support. Pinch the growing tips when vines reach 5–6 ft to encourage fruiting.