Loofah

[whiskers387]

I know this will be handwork, but if i were to prepare loofah, how long does it take before i can harvest it? Also when do i pick it and what do i need to do to it?

Thanks

 

[signalpie]

I have never grown it but where I bopught it made a big deal out not harvesting until after the first frost. I don't know if you peel it or if after it dries the skin is easy to get off. Look up on the net making loofa sponges.

 

[Bebop]

The plants are huge! and they're basically squash, so about 90 days to maturity and then you need to wait at least 3 months, I believe, for the fruit to develop, ripen, and dry. Leave them on the vine to dry. It's really really hard to peel them dry (I've tried~!), you can try and soak it first then peel (never tried this, but use a knife! shake and scoop out the seeds (which is why you probably should do this dry). and then soak them in a mild bleach solution if you want (this keeps them from molding) and rinse thoroughly and dry them in the sun.
Hope this helps.