Luffa aegyptiaca. 90 days. Open-pollinated.
Angled Sponge Gourd, also known as Chinese Okra, is a tropical vine native to Southeast Asia.
Vines are vigorous and high-yielding, and can grow to over 30 feet in length with up to 20 gourds per vine. Planting near a fence, trellis, or archway is highly recommended.
The long, slender gourds have dark-green skin with longitudinal ridges running the length of the fruit and can grow up to 10 to 12 inches long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Their flesh is white and crisp, with a mild flavor similar to zucchini or cucumber.
Harvest in about 90 from planting for use in stir-fries, soups, stews, and salads, or for grilling, roasting, or pickling.
For use as a sponge, allow the fruit to remain on the vine for another 30 to 40 days. Harvest and dry, then peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and use the sponge for bathing, washing dishes, or other household cleaning.
Angled Sponge Gourd
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 12 Light Requirement: Full sun Soil Type: Average, loamy, well-drained Sow Depth: 1 inch Plant Spacing: 3 feet in rows that are 6 feet apart Germination Temp: 70ºF or higher Germination Time: 10 to 14 days Maturation: 90 days Growing Tips
Start seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Soak seeds overnight, then sow in peat pots, 2 to 3 seeds per pot. Use a heat mat to maintain a soil temperature above 70°F and thin to the strongest plants once the seedlings have obtained their first set of true leaves. Transplant outdoors once soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70°F.
If direct sowing, wait until outdoor soil temperatures are 70°F or warmer, then plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, 5 seeds per hill with 5 feet between hills. Thin to the strongest plants once the seedlings have obtained their first set of true leaves.