Luffa – Should I Worry?

Q: I am writing a newsletter article about luffa vine. The fruit of the vine has lots of seeds and I want to be sure it’s not invasive.

A: If you plant a luffa gourd seed in April, you’ll worry by summer’s end that the vine plans to cover your house and snuggle in bed with you. Fortunately, the vine is reliably killed by winter cold, leaving the brown-skinned gourds for you to harvest and make luffa sponges. I have details on the process at http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/luffa-gourd-harvest/.