This unusual plant is not grown for the purpose of extracting gastronomic or decorative benefits. The fruits of luff are used as a natural sponge of amazing quality and environmental friendliness.
The plant is referred to the grassy lianas of the pumpkin family. The genus Luffa is from Central Asia and has more than 50 species, although only two have become widespread: luffa sharply ribbed and luffa cylindrical. The rest of the species can not be specially grown, as they are not suitable for becoming full-bodied washcloths.
How to grow a lyuffa?
The surest way is to sow the luff through the seeds. They are first sown in separate cups or pots with loose and nutritious soil. Do this in April. Since the plant very much does not like transplants, it is better to plant them in peat peas to avoid further injuries during transfer to the open ground or greenhouse.
Before sowing the seeds should be well warmed in the sun for a week, then wet with aloe juice. Deepen the seeds a couple of centimeters during planting and thoroughly moisten the soil. For better effect, they should be covered with a plastic film. After 7-10 days, the first shoots will appear. Reduce the temperature from +30 to +20 ° C, twice before the moment of planting, we water the seedlings with a mullein diluted with water (1:10).
When the Luffa has 6 real leaves and antennae, you can plant it in the ground, be sure to take care of the support, or better - a good supporting structure. The night temperature at this time should be at least + 15 ° C.
Planting and caring for lyuffa
Luffa loves fertile soils, so before planting it in the open ground, you need to properly fertilize the beds. Choose places that are protected from wind. The plant is very sensitive to cold, so choose sunny areas.
Lunks for luffa should be made in the following sizes: 30x30 cm and 25 cm deep.
Care for lyuffa requires constant fertilization of the soil, regular feeding, as the plant grows and has a large mass of leaves. Also you need to regularly loosen the ground. Do not interfere and frequent watering, and do it better from the hose with a sprayer, because the plant likes moist air. Reduce the watering is necessary in September - this will accelerate the ripening of the fruit.
With proper care and favorable climatic conditions, you get from one plant to 8 full-bodied fruits.