{"product_id":"luffa-gourd-sponge-gourd-seeds","title":"Luffa Gourd (Sponge Gourd) seeds","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuffa (Summer Sweet, SPONGE GOURD) - 7 Seeds \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Luffa aegyptiaca)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis luffa sponge variety produces large fruits on vigorous climbing vines, which can be dried for your \u003cstrong\u003eown homegrown sponges. \u003c\/strong\u003eAlthough slow to start, when established and with warm weather, these are vigorous plants and can reach 6m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSturdy support is vital as the fruits are heavy and must be kept clear of the ground to prevent rotting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eSowing Guide\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoak seeds overnight before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSow in warmth (65°F or 20°C) 15mm deep from 4 weeks before the last frost undercover. (18-22 days to germinate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove weaker seedlings, as they do not transplant well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen 7-10cm high, gradually acclimatise outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSite the plants in a warm sheltered position with good drainage; these will need full sun and warmth to thrive and sturdy support. (110 days from germination)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant out at least 60cm apart and avoid feeding or the crop will be reduced. They will start slow and when established and with warmer weather, will quickly accelerate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep moist throughout the summer and stop watering in autumn as fruits mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn autumn, mature gourds will begin to turn brown and dry, turning yellow\/brown, feel light with the outside skin loose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest remaining fruit before the first frost and mature in a warm, well-ventilated position. When fully dry, the blossom end cap can be broken off, and a vascular bundle can be pulled up the side of the gourd-like a zipper. The sponge will pop out and be very wet and white. Quickly rinse the sponge in water to prevent the plant juices from oxidizing on the sponge and remove the seeds at this time. The sponges can be rinsed in a 10% bleach solution to whiten them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Happy Valley Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32541364060250,"sku":"V-502","price":2.63,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/5416\/2522\/products\/luffa-gourd-sponge-gourd-seeds-108360.jpg?v=1701751796","url":"https:\/\/www.happyvalleyseeds.com.au\/products\/luffa-gourd-sponge-gourd-seeds","provider":"Happy Valley Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}