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Growing Luffa Gourds on the Coast #822219

Asked March 11, 2023, 8:06 PM EST

Do you have suggestions for growing luffa gourds along the coast? I know against a South Facing wall would help. When should I start seeds indoors for this 120 day crop? When is it generally safe to transplant outside?

Tillamook County Oregon

Expert Response

Dear Sarah,

You are correct that you need to use a south facing wall as Luffa Gourds like the heat. Even though we have a long growing season for cool loving crops we have a very short growing season for heat loving crops. Make sure your soil is well draining and the pH is between 6.0-and 7.0. It is not uncommon to have soil pH less than 6.0 along the coast. Your soil temperature also needs to reach between 60-70 degrees which is difficult to achieve on the coast before planting. This means not to plant your seedings in the ground until June. Therefor you can wait to start your seedling the first of May. This should allow you to harvest the gourd by the end of September. You can also use row cover to give them extra heat until they form their first flowers and then remove the cover. 

Good Luck!

Mitra Rado, Master Gardener Volunteer Replied March 13, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT

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