Gourds , Loofah Cylindrica (Luffa)

Luffa aegyptiaca, Edible Shower sponge, This is the one we all had to scrub our backs within the '70s, but would never admit we used, and always assumed it was a sea sponge. It's actually a vegetable related to the cucumber & grown on a fence or trellis (it doesn’t come from the sea). Grows 1-2 ft long & if eaten, best when 2 ins dia. Vines produce yellow flowers all summer, then fruits are picked after the first frosts. Peel off the outer skin, “milk” the sponge - squeeze it from the middle outwards to remove the fleshy substance inside, Hang & Dry, use like a body scrub (Not Hardy), Seed Count Approx - 5 avg
 
 SOWING - Gourds will not germinate in cold soil & need a warm position. Planting should be delayed until the soil has warmed, So start in the greenhouse early spring, Pick when ripe in Autumn when stem dries