Lara's Luffa
Welcome to Lara's Luffa!
Handgrown and Homemade in Henrico
What is Luffa?
Luffa, Luffa Aegyptiaca, is an annual plant and is a member of the gourd family, Cururbitaceae. Luffa grow slowly and mature in Autumn. This plant prefers full sun, hot and humid temperatures, adequate water and well drained soil. Luffa vines can grow up to 30 feet long. The vines are covered with beautiful yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators and large palm-shape leaves.
After 90 days, fruit develops on these vines. These fruits, when allowed to mature, can be used as a bath or kitchen sponge. After 120 days, the skin of the fruit can be peeled and the flesh and seeds removed by squeezing and crushing the fruit. The fruit is then sprayed with a high power hose; leaving a network of xylem fibers. This fibrous skeleton is then washed and dried; creating a natural sponge.
