Growing Loofahs

My post content

Did you know loofahs actually come from a vine and not the ocean (as most people commonly believe)?

Here’s some fun information on loofahs I’ve learned over the last few years.

They are a big leaf vine plant that takes a long growing season. They have many beautiful flowers that attract every species of pollinator, and I’ve found all bugs love them. The bugs don’t bother the loofahs themselves, so I let them go all-natural.

They need a big stretch of fence that’s sturdy. As young loofah they are edible to some livestock. My pigs love them.

I let them go on the vine until they dry up and turn brown. This is the ideal stage to harvest. The seeds are black and viable for planting.

The husk is easier to remove.

As the first hard freeze hits, the plant dies. And whatever is left on the vine is ready to harvest. The green husks are harder to remove, and I use a spatula. The white seeds and insides need to be squeezed out.

I’ve heard the white seeds won’t sprout so I throw them out.

These green loofahs tend to be a little softer and I like them best for facial exfoliating.

After cleaning up the loofahs from the husk and seeds I boil them in water to clean and let them air dry.

My loofahs last up to a year or longer, I boil mine as needed and they hold up really well!

I’ve heard loofahs have antibacterial properties but I’m unsure. I will say I’ve never had mold or anything grow on my personal loofahs. They always smell great as long as I hang them up and let them dry after each use.

A lot of people use loofahs as dish scrubs, and they can be used for holding flower arrangements in a vase when you’re done using it.

Get creative!!