{"product_id":"ridged-sponge-gourd-seeds-heirloom-luffa-trellis-vegetable-20-seeds","title":"Ridged Sponge Gourd Seeds - Heirloom Luffa Trellis Vegetable (20 Seeds)","description":"\u003cp\u003eRidged Sponge Gourd, also known as ridged luffa, is an heirloom vining vegetable grown for its edible young fruits and its fibrous mature fruits, which are often dried and used as natural sponges. The vigorous vines climb readily on trellises and produce ridged, cylindrical gourds that add interest to vegetable gardens and edible landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYoung sponge gourds are harvested for culinary use in stir-fries, soups, and curries, while mature fruits can be left on the vine to develop the fibrous interior used for homemade sponges and crafts. This dual-purpose heirloom is a rewarding choice for gardeners who enjoy growing unusual vegetables and useful plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom ridged sponge gourd (luffa) variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous climbing vine that performs well on trellises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces ridged, cylindrical fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-purpose: young fruits for eating, mature fruits for sponges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-season annual vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Luffa acutangula\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual vining vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil evenly moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Climbing vine; requires trellis or support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Space plants about 12-24 inches apart along a trellis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow ridged sponge gourd seeds outdoors after the last frost, when soil has warmed, or start them indoors a few weeks earlier in biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Provide a sturdy trellis or fence for the vines to climb, as support improves airflow and makes harvesting easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist during germination and active growth, but avoid waterlogging. Once seedlings are established, thin or transplant to the recommended spacing. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest young fruits for eating while they are tender, or allow fruits to mature fully on the vine for sponge production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 Ridged Sponge Gourd seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67836001255734,"sku":"FOLIA2-1652","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6784619292_i9k8.jpg?v=1793097074","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/ridged-sponge-gourd-seeds-heirloom-luffa-trellis-vegetable-20-seeds","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}