HUADIANSIGUA AB EDIBLE LUFFA SQUASH
Luffa acutangula
A productive Chinese variety with prominent ribs, it produces 40 cm long fruits with pale green skin with white spots and sweet white flesh. It keeps well.
Sowing : March-April on a warm bed and planting when frost is no longer a risk. Harvest takes place from mid-August to the end of September. Planting distance: 75 x 100 cm. Location: sunny. In the north of France, grow luffa in a greenhouse. Train the plants or provide a support with poles. Water regularly.
Luffa acutangula and Luffa cylindrica are the two most widely cultivated species of sponge gourd. Native to India, this plant is widespread in most parts of Asia. Luffa acutangula produces fruits with prominent ribs, while Luffa cylindrica fruits are ribless. Their fruits are edible when young; Luffa cylindrica fruits are less popular than those of Luffa acutangula.
On the other hand, the mature fruits of Luffa cylindrica, once dried, are used as a sponge for showering, cleaning dishes and objects. Luffa likes warmth, germination and rapid growth with a temperature of 25-35°C, warmth and fertile soil are essential for good fruiting.
