Go Plastic Free – Get Luffed All hail the luffa, the bathroom staple that has won the test of time. Generations have been scrubbing themselves down in showers across the globe with this humble bathroom accessory.
Words by Junkies Photography Supplied
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The luffa plant, as well as keeping us buffed, is helping us become plastic-free in our bathrooms. Most of us have a version, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the round hand-held one with cloth backing or the raw one on a string. So why not grow one in the garden for easy access to this helpful plant.
Planting Guide Luffa plants like a well-drained but moist soil that is full of plenty of organic compost matter. They need a lot of room to roam or a sturdy trellis over which to climb. As they need plenty of sun in order to ripen, they are more suited to warmer climate growing areas.
Luffas belong to the Cucurbitaceae, or gourd, family, along with their somewhat distant cousins, squashes, watermelons, cucumbers, melons, and the hard-shelled gourds. It is often mistakenly thought of as something that comes from the sea, as the dried flesh of the plant has fibrous-like properties similar in appearance to sea sponges.
It is best to start the seeds off in pots in a greenhouse or inside a few weeks before planting time; once the warm weather settles in, plant them in a sunny position. Note: Seeds are best sought from an organic seed company, such as herbs-to-use.com.
Two varieties can be grown: Luffa aegyptiaca (the angled luffa that has ridges running along the length of the skin) or Luffa cyclindrica (the smooth luffa, which has a more rounded appearance). Both plants are vigorous annual vines with lovely yellow flowers. Being a vine, they can be used as a cover for outside pergolas. Not only are they used for their fibrous flesh, the fruit is similar in taste to squash and can be used in salads and other dishes. grow
