Luffa (loofah) is the fruit of evergreen plants belonging to the same family as pumpkin. Luffa is technically a fruit, but is often consumed as a vegetable and harvested before it reaches maturity. Luffa is believed to have originated in the Arabian deserts and is now widely cultivated throughout Asia.
People often call luffa “mad cucumber.” Luffa is used to make loofahs, which is why luffa is also called “edible loofah.”
Loofah: types and description of the plant
Loofah is native to the African and Asian subtropics. The genus of the same name has more than 50 species. Only two have been cultivated by humans:
- Sharp-ribbed (Luffa acutangula). Creeping annual vines from 3 to 6 m. With the help of thin tendrils, plants cling to supports and stretch upward. The leaves are wide, lobed or slightly flared into several segments. The flowers are large, pale yellow, female flowers are arranged singly, male flowers are collected in racemes. They bloom late in the evening and are pollinated by nocturnal insects. The surface of the fruit is rough and faceted. The unripe pulp is sweetish and slightly reminiscent of a cucumber. The fruit produces many seeds suitable for planting. The species is resistant to adverse conditions and viruses.
Ribbed loofah
Attention! Loofah fruits contain 1.5 times more carotene than carrots.
- Cylindrical (cylindrica). The fruits are about 60 cm long or more. The species is mainly grown to obtain fibrous raw materials. Dried loofah is used in the manufacture of decorative elements, furniture, and hats.
Cylindrical loofah
Family loofah washcloth Article: 440
Loofah is a southern tropical plant that produces an airy, hard fiber when ripe. When wet, the fiber becomes soft and pleasantly rough to the touch. A loofah washcloth exfoliates surface cells well without damaging the skin. Provides gentle massage and peeling, opens pores. When washing with a loofah, microcirculation in the skin increases, which accelerates metabolic processes in cells, saturates them with oxygen and removes toxins. After using the loofah, the skin becomes elastic and velvety, and takes on a healthy appearance. Loofah (aka Luffa, Luffa) is a plant of the pumpkin family that grows in tropical and subtropical regions, for example, China, India, Crimea, Africa. Externally, the loofah looks like a large, long cucumber and can reach 5 meters in length. Fruits in a ripe state bounce off the stalk with the lightest touch; at the same time, a bitter liquid with seeds is forcefully ejected from the hole formed at the site of the separated stem, for which the plant received the nickname “mad cucumber.” Loofah is mainly used as a natural washcloth. To do this, ripe fruits are cut and hung to dry, then the ends are cut off, the seeds are removed and dipped in hot water for 20-30 minutes. After this, the peel from the fruit is easily removed and a washcloth is obtained. It is washed, dried and then used. The main advantages of a loofah sponge are: Hypoallergenic. Crazy cucumber (loofah) very rarely causes skin reactions. Life time. Loofah sponges are durable, last a long time, do not crumble or crumble when used. However, you need to remember that you should not use a washcloth for more than 6 months, both natural and synthetic. A loofah washcloth is valued for its ability to gently exfoliate epidermal cells, improve blood circulation in tissues, and saturate the skin with oxygen, opening pores. It is not possible to standardize this washcloth by size! Since this is a natural product, the way it was grown is how it comes out in the final version. Loofah sponges, depending on the type and processing method, can have different degrees of hardness. A soft washcloth is suitable for shallow peeling and daily use; it can also be recommended for children. The higher degree of hardness of the washcloth allows it to be used for deep peeling and anti-cellulite massage. Directions for use: Before use, wet the washcloth with hot water. For a loofah washcloth, a mild soap is well suited, as it penetrates deep into the washcloth and provides long-lasting lathering. After use, rinse the loofah thoroughly with water and dry. Storage method: store in a well-ventilated place.
Using luffa
Luffa acutangula is cultivated for its young, unripe fruits, used as food like cucumbers, and in soups and curries. Ripe fruits are inedible as they are very bitter. The leaves, shoots, buds and flowers of the sharp-ribbed luffa are eaten - lightly stewed, seasoned with oil and served as a side dish.
Luffa cylindrical , or loofah (Luffa cylindrica) is used for food in much the same way. It is important to note that its leaves are extremely rich in carotene: its content is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of carrots or sweet peppers. The leaves contain 11 mg/100 g of iron, 95 mg/100 g of vitamin C, and up to 5% protein.
The fibrous tissue produced when the luffa fruit ripens is used to make sponge-like sponges (which, like the plant itself, are called luffa). This plant sponge provides a good massage simultaneously with the washing procedure. Portuguese sailors were the first to find such a use for the plant.
To obtain loofah, luffa fruits are collected green (then the final product is softer - “bath” quality) or brown, i.e. mature, when they are easier to peel (in this case the product will be relatively tough). The fruits are dried (usually several weeks), then usually soaked in water (from several hours to a week) to soften the skin; then the peel is peeled off, and the inner fibers are cleaned of the pulp with a stiff brush. The resulting washcloth is washed several times in soapy water, rinsed, dried in the sun, and then cut into pieces of the desired size.
Loofah from Luffa. © Qurren
Before World War II, up to 60% of luffa imported into the United States was used to make filters for diesel and steam engines. Due to its noise-absorbing and anti-shock properties, luffa moss was used in the manufacture of steel soldier helmets and in armored personnel carriers of the US Army. Luffa seeds contain up to 46% edible oil and up to 40% protein.
Cylindrical luffa has both vegetable varieties and special technical ones for making loofah. In Japan, the juice from the luffa stem is used in cosmetics, in particular in the manufacture of high-quality lipstick.
The plant is quite widely used in folk oriental medicine.
An infusion of luffa fruit is used in Colombian folk medicine for chronic diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. It was introduced into homeopathic medicine (in appropriate dilutions) for the same indications, including allergic ones.
Luffa or how to grow a loofah
Luffa photo
Luffa, also called pumpkin sponge , a plant sponge, is still a rare guest in our beds. Interestingly, this annual tropical vine of the pumpkin family has 10 species, but is not found in nature. Obviously bred in India as a vegetable plant. Luffa stems can be from 2 to 15 meters long. The leaves are round, 15-25 cm wide. The flowers are dioecious: the females are single, and the males are collected in short inflorescences.
By the way, luffa has the ability to wrap around any support and decorate corners inaccessible to other plants. It can be used to “drape” a brick wall or an old fence.
Luffa fruits look like smooth or ribbed cucumbers. Young fruits are consumed fried, stewed, boiled and canned. Our family's favorite dish is luffa stuffed with meat. Its bittersweet taste goes well with the delicate taste of pork, making the dish very distinctive.
Ripe fruits are - fibrous, hard, mesh inside. They are used to make environmentally friendly and comfortable washcloths that do not cause allergies, do not sour like a foam sponge, and do not injure the skin like a synthetic mesh sponge.
Luffa for making washcloths is grown in China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Brazil and the Caribbean. It is believed that the best products are made by the Japanese.
I grow loofah on a trellis 1.5-2.5 m high, and also near a fence. Seeds begin to germinate at temperatures above 14 degrees after 8-10 days. I sow them immediately in open ground in holes located at a distance of 1 m from each other, to a depth of 4-5 cm. I put 2-3 seeds in each hole. The cultivation technology is the same as for cucumbers. I was convinced that a prerequisite for good growth is timely garters, since the luffa loves to grow upward. During the summer, the soil is regularly loosened, watered if necessary, and weed control. Luffa blooms from July to August. It produces more than 10 fruits on one bush.
If you just need a sponge, do not pick off the young fruits, because then new ones will appear that will not have time to ripen. I remove the ripe fruits from the stalk at the end of September and place them (or better yet, hang them so that they do not touch each other) in a dry room. Try growing luffa too.
How to make a loofah from a loofah
To get a new sponge, you need to peel the ripe fruit, remove the seeds, and rinse in running water. Then boil, hang in the sun and dry.
Luffa washcloth photo
These are such wonderful and environmentally friendly sponges (washcloths) made from luffa
Growing luffa
Luffa grows well in places protected from the wind. Prefers warm, loose, nutrient-rich soils, mainly well-cultivated and fertilized sandy loams. In the absence of sufficient manure, luffa seeds should be sown in holes measuring 40X40 cm and 25-30 cm deep, half filled with manure.
Luffa has a very long growing season, so it must be grown in seedlings. Luffa seeds are sown in early April and pots, just like cucumber seeds. They are very hard, covered with a thick shell and require heating for a whole week at a temperature of about 40 degrees before sowing. Shoots appear in 5-6 days. Seedlings are planted in early May in rows of 1.5m x 1m on low ridges or ridges.
Luffa plant on a support. © Judgefloro
Luffa produces a large leaf mass and produces a lot of fruit, so it needs more fertilizer. Per 1 hectare, 50-60 tons of manure, 500 kg of superphosphate, 400 kg of ammonium nitrate and 200 kg of potassium sulfate are applied. Ammonium nitrate is applied in three stages: when planting seedlings, during the second and third loosening.
The root system of luffa is relatively weak and is located in the surface layer of soil, and the leaves evaporate a lot of moisture, so it needs to be watered often. In May, when the plants are still poorly developed, it is enough to water once a week, in June-August and until mid-September - once or twice a week. After this, water less frequently to shorten the growing season and speed up the ripening of fruits.
During the growing season, luffa is loosened at least three times.
To successfully grow luffa, it is necessary to use a support structure to guide and support the stems. If this is not done, the plants spread out on the damp soil surface, resulting in the formation of irregularly shaped fruits, which are often damaged by fungal diseases.
Several types of support structures are known, of which the most widely used is a wire trellis, consisting of two rows of wire attached to stakes installed every 4-5 m, like a trellis used in growing grapes. However, when using this design, part of the luffa stem still ends up on the wet soil surface. A more advanced design has so-called balconies, like for climbing grapes, but made of lighter material.
Luffa fruit. © devopstom
Individual luffa plants are planted so that they can climb along fences and fences.
The luffa stems are tied to supports in several places. At the beginning of growth, all lateral branches are removed. To shorten the growing season, the main stem is pinched at a distance of 3 m. All deformed and late-appearing fruits are removed. Only 6-8 fruits are left for the cylindrical luffa and 10-12 for the sharp-ribbed one.
Under favorable soil and climatic conditions and correct agricultural technology, 3-5 fruits are obtained from one plant of smooth luffa, and 6-8 fruits of sharp-ribbed luffa.
Preparing a site for a loofah, fertilizing the soil
Choose a place protected from wind and drafts, but with sufficient light. Loofah prefers well-fertilized sandy loam. Before planting 1 sq. m contribute:
- organic matter (manure 5–6 kg);
- superphosphate (50 g);
- potassium sulfate (20 g);
- ammonium nitrate (40 g).
The holes for planting are formed 30x30 cm, about 20 cm deep. The seedlings are filled up to the cotyledon leaves. Leave 0.8–1 m between plants, since the loofah will require a lot of space.
It is necessary to take care of the trellises in advance so as not to harm the roots later. From the third pair of true leaves, the plant stem needs support; if the vine is not supported, then healthy fruits of the correct shape should not be expected. From contact with the ground, the loofah is often affected by fungus and rot. You should not use garden trees as supports; ovaries and young fruits can easily be injured among the branches.
Any soil is suitable for growing loofahs.
During the season, the vine requires several additional feedings with ammonium nitrate and a nutritious ash solution. Before flowering begins, nitrogen-containing mineral complexes are added under the loofah.
Features of cultivation
Growing luffa
Luffa does not recognize any soil other than well-fertilized and fertile soil. The ideal option for the plant is sandy loam soil and a place that is protected from strong winds. Luffa can be grown by planting it in open ground or as seedlings, but traditionally farmers choose the second option, since in this case the plant gives not only an early, but also a generous harvest.
How to plant luffa seedlings
Luffa seeds and fibers from ripened fruit
Seeds are usually sown in cups or peat pots filled with loose soil. It is best to start this painstaking process in April.
Choose a large pot
Before adding soil to the container, you will need to spread a layer of gravel at the bottom to improve drainage
Keep in mind: the plant really doesn’t like being replanted, so the whole procedure needs to be thought out in such a way that it brings a minimum of discomfort to the luffa.
So, we take pots that are small in diameter - 7 centimeters will be enough - and plant the seeds in them to a depth of a maximum of 2 centimeters.
Plant the seeds
It is important to know: before sowing, luffa seeds need to be heated for about a week at a temperature of 40 degrees, and then soaked in aloe juice for half an hour.
After sowing, the soil should be watered generously and covered with polyethylene. If everything is done according to the correct scheme and the temperature of 30 degrees is maintained when growing seedlings, then within a week you can expect the first shoots. However, immediately after this it is important to lower the temperature to 20 degrees.
Growing loofah
Now we begin to closely monitor the growth of the plant. After six full leaves are formed, the luffa needs to be helped and provided with support for the growing seedlings.
Support options
Luffa on a support in the garden bed
The plant does not like the cold very much, so it should be planted in open ground only after the average nighttime temperature outside is more than 15 degrees - most often this happens no earlier than mid-May. The planting pattern is simple - 1×1. Beds or low ridges are ideal.
How to plant luffa in open ground
Growing luffa in open ground: proper care
The most important thing is to correctly place the seedlings on the site. To do this, plant it in holes measuring 30x30 and 20 centimeters deep at a distance of a meter from each other. It is necessary to “immerse” the seedlings in the hole to the level of the cotyledon leaves. Almost immediately you need to provide support for the luffa. If you leave this matter for later, you risk damaging the already overgrown root system.
Luffa, growing on supports
Trellis for luffa
Since luffa loves fertile soil, you need to mix the soil with manure or compost, so the soil will be saturated with the substances necessary for plant growth.
How to care for a luffa
Based on the fact that the vine is quite fertile, it needs a large amount of fertilizer: approximately 6 kilograms of manure per 1 square meter. Such an area also requires 20 grams of potassium sulfate, 50 grams of superphosphate and 40 grams of ammonium nitrate. With the last “ingredient” everything is not so simple: farmers add it in three approaches: during the process of planting seedlings, during the second loosening and during the third loosening.
The soil needs to be fertilized and loosened
In order for the luffa to ultimately produce a rich harvest, it needs to be fed at least twice a month with a solution of mullein, ash and water.
How to cook:
- take a kilogram of mullein;
- add a glass of water to the container;
- dilute with a bucket of water;
- mix thoroughly.
Prepared fertilizer
Around mid-July, the luffa begins to bloom.
Luffa blossom
Shortly before this, it is very important to add nitrogen fertilizers to the soil. The liana will bloom until approximately September. At the same time, female flowers will grow one at a time, separately, and will bloom earlier than male flowers, which grow in a brush.
Nitrogen fertilizer
It is important to understand that luffa has a rather weak root system, which is located in the surface layer of the earth. The peculiarity of the leaves of the plant is that they evaporate a large amount of moisture, therefore the vine needs frequent and generous watering. Luffa is a lover of moist air, so a hose with a sprayer will be a real gift for her.
Water hose with spray function for watering luffa
Until the plant reaches an impressive size, it can be watered once a week, but from June to September watering should be increased to once every 3 days. Here, too, it is important not to overdo it - after September we reduce watering again. Thanks to this, the growing season is significantly reduced and the process of fruit ripening is significantly accelerated.
Cultivation
Successful cultivation of luffa directly depends on the presence of supporting structures. Support is necessary not so much for the plant as for the farmer, since it allows you to regulate the direction of growth of the vine, as well as support the stems. If you grow luffa without any support structure, you are guaranteed to get irregularly shaped fruits, which, moreover, will be susceptible to fungal diseases. Typically, experts encourage the plant stems to support in several places. It is also very important to remove the side branches in time, before they begin to take away the strength of the luffa.
Growing luffa in the garden
We have already mentioned that the correct watering scheme will help shorten the growing season of the plant. Clothesing the main stem at a distance of 3 meters will help achieve the same result. It is very important to carefully monitor the quality of growing fruits - deformed ones should be removed immediately. For cylindrical luffa, a maximum of 8 fruits are usually left, and for sharp-ribbed luffa - 12.
Important: despite the temptation, there is no need to point the luffa at trees, since contact with the branches leads to injury to the ovaries of the plants, and this, in turn, provokes their death.
How to grow a loofah from seeds
They begin to prepare loofah for planting at the end of March, since the plant has a fairly long growing season. Selected seeds must be germinated. To do this, they are wrapped in damp cloth and left in a warm place (+28…+30 °C). The sprouts will hatch in 5–7 days.
Advice. To avoid the development of infections on vines, the seeds are first disinfected in a solution of phytosporin or manganese.
Loofah does not require a special soil composition. The swollen seeds are placed in separate pots with a universal mixture. The embedding depth is no more than 2 cm. The container is covered with transparent film or glass. Shoots will appear quickly, from three to four days. The greenhouses with sprouts are opened and moved to a well-lit windowsill. The optimal temperature is +20 °C.
Attention! Loofah, like all pumpkin plants, does not tolerate transplantation well.
Young plants are planted in open ground with the appearance of the first pair of true leaves. Older seedlings get sick longer and acclimatize worse in a new place. The time is calculated so that night temperatures do not fall below +10 °C. Under such conditions, the growth of a heat-loving crop stops. In regions with cool climates, loofah is grown in greenhouses or greenhouses.
Liana needs support
How to grow a luffa and make a loofah from it
While choosing seeds, I saw a bag of luffa, read the summary, and became interested. My children have allergies, so we need natural washcloths. What is a luffa? How to grow seedlings, at what time should they be planted in a greenhouse? Is it possible to transplant grown plants into open ground so as not to take up greenhouse space?
Luffa is a genus of annual vine-like plants belonging to the pumpkin family. Washcloths are made from the ripened fruits of luffa cylindrical, and it is its seeds that are commercially available. It is worth noting that compared to polymer washcloths, natural ones are better at removing dead skin particles and do not cause allergic irritation. Dried luffa fruits store well and can be used for several years. Unripe fruits and leaves are used for food (they contain 1.5 times more carotene than carrots).
This is what a luffa plant with fruits looks like in the photo
The growing season of luffa is long, so even in the southern regions seedlings should be grown. It is advisable to do this in the first ten days of March. When growing luffa from seeds at home, before sowing, they need to be disinfected by placing them in a solution of phytosporin or potassium permanganate for 20 minutes, rinsing under running water, treating with a growth stimulator and spreading on a damp cloth for germination. Luffa seeds germinate at a temperature of about 28-30 °C. The container with seeds can be placed on the radiator by placing a towel folded in several layers. The fabric must not be allowed to dry out; it must be constantly damp.
If sprouts do not appear within a week, you can help the seeds by carefully opening the doors. Seeds that have sprouted must be immediately planted in separate containers (at least 400 ml) with disinfected light nutrient soil to a depth of 2 cm. Before germination (3-4 days), the container with sowing should be covered with a transparent film. To prevent mold from forming on the soil surface, crops must be ventilated daily and moistened if necessary.
Luffa shoots are very similar to cucumber shoots
From the moment of germination, the container must be moved to a light windowsill, removing the film (glass). The moisture content of the soil should be taken seriously; it is extremely undesirable to allow it to dry out. The optimal temperature for the growth of seedlings, very similar to cucumber, is about 20 ° C. Luffa develops quickly. After 5 true leaves, tendrils begin to form and support is required.
If the greenhouse is heated and the night temperature does not fall below 15 °C, then it is more convenient to grow luffa seedlings in a greenhouse. If the temperature in the greenhouse differs from that specified, then it makes sense to grow the seedlings indoors and then transplant them into open ground or a greenhouse. It is advisable to think through the issue of supports before transplanting seedlings. Luffa is thermophilic and does not tolerate frost or sudden drops in temperature. In regions with cool summers, it can only be grown in greenhouses.
Ripe and unripe luffa fruits
Considering the rapid growth of luffa (it can grow up to 7 m), at least 1 m should be left between neighboring specimens. It is convenient to plant it along a stretched plastic mesh (sold in specialized stores). Otherwise, the plants will suppress each other and develop worse. It is undesirable for plants to climb trees, because... In this case, injury to the fruits and their subsequent rotting are possible.
Luffa leaves are carved and pubescent. It blooms in July with large yellow flowers. Female flowers are solitary, male flowers are collected in racemes (2-3 pcs.). Insects willingly visit them, so, as a rule, there are no problems with pollination. Each plant can produce up to 12 fruits. Unripe fruits can weigh up to 3 kg. When ripe, they dry out and their weight decreases.
Luffa seeds and fibers from ripened fruit
Luffa is moisture-loving, just like cucumbers, the root system is superficial, so regular watering with warm water is required. It requires at least 5 feedings per season with complex fertilizers for pumpkin crops or similar. To speed up the ripening of fruits, the central shoot can be pinched when it reaches 4 m. It is advisable to remove late-forming fruits so that they do not deplete the plant.
When the night temperature drops to 10 ° C, luffa fruits must be collected, even if they are not ripe, otherwise they may be affected by anthracnose and it will be impossible to use them. Unripe fruits ripen well in a warm room hanging.
The photo shows a finished luffa washcloth.
When the luffa fruits turn yellow, the shell should be removed. Large seeds are located inside the fibers; they are easy to shake out. The “skeleton” needs to be washed from the pulp (if it has not all dried out) and dried well. The natural washcloth is ready.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
Botanists classify luffa as a genus of herbaceous vines. In the native tropics of Asia it develops up to a height of five meters, and in temperate latitudes the growth of the plant is more restrained. However, it is characterized by a long growing season.
Consequently, agronomists advise giving preference to the seedling method when growing exotic crops. Thus, early, bountiful harvests become a reality.
Did you know? Depending on the varietal variety, luffa fruits are used in cooking and various industries. For example, fuel is made from the oil, which is contained in large quantities in vegetable seeds, the pulp is used in soap making, and the fibers are used as filters for purifying industrial water.
Optimal timing for sowing
To obtain early fruits, given the thick, hard skin on the seeds, germination of luffa should begin in mid-winter. Already in the first week of February, you can prepare the seeds for sowing, and as soon as small sprouts emerge from them, you need to plant them immediately.
On average, this period lasts no more than two weeks. But some owners of the “growing sponge” share their experience of sowing seeds in April. True, in this option the harvest will be much later. In any case, plan all work in relation to the lunar calendar.
Containers and soil for planting
The Asian heat-loving guest stands out from the pumpkin family in terms of soil and planting requirements. It turns out that the culture really does not like transplants; it prefers only fertile and loose soil.
Experts advise germinating the capricious plant in plastic cups. But when choosing them, you should take into account the volume of future seedlings; it is advisable to use containers with a diameter of up to 7 cm.
Important! Luffa is not sown in beds. For the needs of one family, two plants are enough. The soil for seedlings is prepared from an equal amount of leaf soil, river sand and the upper layers of peat. But many housewives consider this method slightly outdated and recommend a more convenient technology.
It consists of using purchased peat tablets or pots. For luffa, such cultivation techniques will provide the necessary nutrition until the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place, and the sprouts and roots are not injured during the work.
Preliminary seed preparation
In order for loofah to grow from luffa, the seeds must be carefully prepared for sowing. After all, if they find themselves in an unfavorable environment, they may not sprout at all. First of all, agronomists advise soaking the seed for several days.
To do this, use a weak solution of potassium permanganate, aloe juice, or plain warm water with a growth stimulator. Emistim, Kornevin, Ecosil and other drugs are suitable as the last ingredient.
Important! Luffa seedlings that are too large are painful to transplant to a permanent location. This happens because, being in pots, the sprouts suffer from a lack of nutrients, and once on the site, due to weakness, they cannot adapt to new conditions.
To soak, the seeds are placed in gauze or cotton cloth and tied in a knot. Then it is dipped into the prepared warm liquid and left near a battery or other heating device. After 7–14 days, the seeds will hatch.
Sowing seeds
When to plant luffa seedlings will determine the seed hatching period. Once they are ready, sowing can begin. If you purchased peat tablets for these purposes, they will need to be thoroughly moistened beforehand until they swell completely.
Then sow the seeds to a depth of 2 cm. The top of the glass with the tablet is covered with an identical container to create a greenhouse effect.
If you plan to fill the container with your own prepared soil mixture, planting is done in the same way as in the previous option. When finished, be sure to cover the pot with film or a transparent plastic lid.
Conditions for germination
It is advisable to place the “greenhouse” on a southern windowsill, where it is always warm and has a lot of light. Keep away from drafts and open windows. Under favorable conditions, seedlings should appear in 3–4 days.
Important! If the sown luffa seeds are not opened for ventilation every day, the soil in the cup will become moldy.
Seedling care
Luffa is similar to cucumbers in planting and care. Exotic pumpkin also really needs moisture for further development. But the main thing is not to overdo it.
Young seedlings need to be watered only when the top layer of the substrate in the cup dries. Under no circumstances should you let it become a swampy slurry.
The temperature in the room where luffa grows should be at least 20 degrees. The liana grows quickly and is cultivated indoors until approximately May.
Hardening of seedlings
Grown shoots must be hardened, otherwise they may die in harsher conditions. It is advisable to carry out the first hardening on a sunny warm day after 4 pm. During this period, the outside air will warm up enough, and the plant will not get stressed.
It is advisable to take the plant outside every day. If you plan to plant luffa in your country house and grow seedlings in a city apartment, place the pots on an open balcony or window. Over time, seedlings can be left outdoors for 5–6 hours. You just need to do this gradually.
Did you know? The fruits and leaves of luffa contain one and a half times more vitamin A than carrots.
How to make a loofah from luffa fruit
In order to turn a huge fruit into a wonderful bath attribute, you need to know some subtleties.
Only from ripe fruits can you make a sponge, that is, the pulp inside must dry. The color of the fruit will help you find out the exact time; when it turns brown, the time has come! And, of course, don’t forget about the dry tip at the end.
If the fruits have not had time to ripen (for example, you are unlucky with the weather), then they can be collected green and dried in a warm, dry room.
In order to obtain the skeleton of a loofah without much difficulty, you must first work with the fruit. Some summer residents recommend soaking the luffa skin for several days in water to soften it. But, there is a more practical way:
Dip the dry fruit in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then cool and the skin is easy to peel. Once you get your future loofah, hold the fibers up to the light. Surprisingly many seeds, right!?
You also need to get rid of the seeds; this can be done in two ways - picking them out or putting a washcloth in water. The seeds should come out of the fibers on their own.
Once you have a real luffa sponge in your hands, rinse it in a soapy solution, then in clean water and let it dry in free air. Now it's time for your imagination! You can cover the luffa with soft fabric, cut it into convenient pieces, make double-sided washcloths - in general, whatever you want!
How to make a loofah sponge
In order to make a loofah loofah, you will need the plant itself, in particular its fruits. You can buy ready-made luffa fruit in stores specializing in soap making and personal hygiene, or you can grow luffa yourself by first purchasing its seeds. You can grow this plant both at home and in your dacha. Problems can only arise at the planting stage, because before planting, loofah seeds need to be dried for 7 days at a temperature of +40C.
It is better to plant these seeds in late April or early May, as they are very sensitive to low temperatures. By planting the seeds in late April or early May, with proper care you can get the first fruits in early October. In most cases, it is easiest to use ready-made fruit purchased in a store; this will save personal time. Here are some tips for choosing a fruit:
- To obtain a hard sponge, the fruit must be completely ripe;
- the fruit should have a brown tint;
- there should be a small “tail” at the end of the fruit - this is a sign of fruit maturity;
- As a rule, the most successfully ripened loofah fruits appear on the shelves in mid-October.
So, the fruit has been selected and purchased, now it’s time to proceed directly to making the washcloth. First of all, you should be patient, because before making the loofah fruit you need to dry it in a well-ventilated place for several weeks. A sign that the fruit is sufficiently dry is the rustling of the seeds inside when it is shaken or turned over. Once the fruit has become dry enough, you can proceed directly to production. Here is a detailed plan on how to make a loofah sponge:
- soak the fruit in water for 2-3 hours;
- peel the sides and trim the ends;
- scrape out any remaining seeds and fibers using a stiff brush or knife;
- Wash 2-3 times in a warm soap solution;
- rinse and then dry in a well-ventilated place;
- cut into pieces of convenient size and tie with strings.
How does a luffa washcloth work on your skin?
Any natural washcloth is hard and luffa is no exception to this rule. The fiber dried, hardened and became a rigid material. Not sissies like to wash themselves with such a washcloth. Who wants to enjoy an excellent skin massage in addition to washing - this washcloth is just for you!
An excellent massage effect, deep cleansing of pores, natural peeling of the skin and maintaining its tone - this is what a loofah can offer you. Although this washcloth is particularly hard, it has a softer effect on steamed skin in a bath.
After washing, the skin becomes elastic and toned. When it comes to preventing the formation of cellulite, a loofah made from luffa ranks first!
NATURAL LOOPHA SPASH
Natural loofah and eco-friendly loofah loofah are more of a necessity than a luxury for many. Natural material, unlike synthetic ones, does not deteriorate longer from moisture, does not sour and does not cause allergies. A loofah washcloth not only perfectly cleanses the skin, but also gently polishes it, exfoliating the top layer. In general, there are solid advantages, but the price is biting. Surely you have wondered how to grow a loofah yourself? Easily! In this way, you will not only provide the whole family with environmentally friendly natural washcloths, but also taste the fruits of this exotic product.
How to make a washcloth soft
Not everyone is a fan of harsh effects on the skin. But, since everything natural in itself is very useful for us, you can make a gentle and pleasant sponge for the body from hard luffa.
Children, older people and those who want to maintain their beautiful summer tan for as long as possible love to wash themselves with a soft washcloth. There is still a way out of the “hard” situation.
To make a washcloth soft, brew it with boiling water, cover with a lid and let it “simmer” for 10-15 minutes. That’s basically the whole procedure, the washcloth will become softer and can be used to wash sensitive and delicate skin.
In the bathhouse kingdom everything is much simpler! Father himself, the heat and steam of the bath softens the hard fiber. That’s why I wasn’t afraid of this hard washcloth as a child, the bath itself made it soft.
Of course, there is another way to make a washcloth soft. It is made double-sided, that is, on one side a soft fabric or sponge is sewn onto the luffa. You can also place the sponge inside the skeleton of the luffa, this will give twice as much soap suds, which will naturally reduce the hardness of the washcloth.
How to use a luffa sponge?
Before using such a sponge, you need to soften it a little by holding it in hot water for 2-3 minutes.
Luffa is a washcloth, reviews of which always remain at the highest level. But in order not to harm your body, but to bring a beneficial effect, you should not overdo it in use (no more than twice a week). Otherwise, irritation may appear on the body or skin breakdown may occur.
After each use of such a washcloth, you must use moisturizing creams or oils.
Luffa has the ability to remove dead skin cells, but after a month of use, the pores of the sponge become clogged and bacteria begin to multiply in them.
After each use, the washcloth must be thoroughly rinsed and dried.
