Gourd Seeds – Extra Long – Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Luffa plant, or luffa gourd.
How to Grow Extra Long Gourd
To prepare gourd seeds, soak them for 24hrs before germinating on a moist paper towel in a sealed, dark container. Growers in zones 5 and 6 should start their seedlings indoors before the last frost, harden off the seedlings, and then transplant them to their final growing destination. Growers in zone 7 and above can direct sow. Luffa Gourds don’t transplant well, be sure to get the seeds or seedlings to their permanent growing space as early as possible.
The Extra Long Luffa Gourd requires a frame to climb up during the growing season. The plant will be damaged by temperatures below 50℉. Luffa gourds do well with plenty of nitrogen. Add nitrogen if necessary (through a fertilizer) or interplant with a nitrogen fixator such as a bean plant. Prune the plant as it grows to only have a single lateral vine. In conditions with a long growing season, clear away the first few blooms permitting the plant to establish better before fruiting.
