SEVEN HAPPINESS LUFFA
Product Description:
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Key Features:
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Key Features:
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Customer Reviews
Got these 4 years ago and great germination. Have kept seeds from the best one each year. Now resulting in gourds that are 2 feet (24in) long and 6-7in for the diameter.
I garden in Virginia 7a.
I wanted to offer a suggestion to the luffa growers that didn't have success with germinating these seeds. I chipped the seed coats with nail clippers then soaked them 24 hours before planting. I started some inside, and they germinated in about 7-10 days. I transplanted in early May, and they did ok. I ended up needing a few more vines due to critter problems, and I started them the same way, except directly in the soil, and a couple of weeks later. They also came up fine with about the same germination time. The vines were beautiful and vigorous, but took forever to flower. I think they started in late August or so. But I have luffas now, so I'm happy. It's October, and they are still growing. I dont think they are going to have enough time to mature and dry before I need to pick them, so I'll probably end up taking them down and putting them in the attic to dry. Not ideal, but I've done it before.
only one germinated and i had best of conditions...
So sorry to hear these didn't germ well for you. Our most recent testing of this seed resulted in 90% germination. Luffa can be a bit tricky to get going and can take a while (up to 3 weeks or so) to emerge. The soil temperature would ideally be at least 70°F. Soaking the seeds just prior to planting (overnight or up to 24 hours) can also help!
As always our products are backed by our full guarantee. We want you, our customers, to be 100% satisfied with the seed, plants and supplies that you purchase from us. If anything you buy from Territorial proves to be unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item (if available) or refund the purchase price, whichever you prefer (for up to 1 year from purchase). We can also help troubleshoot! Contact our customer service (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Pacific Time) at either 800-626-0866 or info@territorialseed.com
Sadly, I also got zero germination for these seeds; I'm not sure how TS is getting 90% germination, but I hope they will revise the info on the seed packet to reflect the recommendations they're giving customers who contact them directly (e.g. use a heat mat, sow directly outdoors, etc). For context, I started these seeds in similar conditions to my ginger, which tends to be challenging to get going in my zone and requires similar conditions to luffa—the ginger did just fine, but the luffa never sprouted. I tried snipping seeds, which has always worked for me with squash and melons, but no such luck. The number of seeds in a packet is small, so I could only retry my indoor starts a second time, but ended up with the same results—zero germination. Super bummed I won't be able to grow luffa this year.
So sorry to hear that has been the case! Our products are backed by our full guarantee. We want you, our customers, to be 100% satisfied with the seed, plants and supplies that you purchase from us. If anything you buy from Territorial proves to be unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item (if available) or refund the purchase price, whichever you prefer (for up to 1 year from purchase). Contact our customer service (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Pacific Time) at either 800-626-0866 or info@territorialseed.com
| Soil Temp for Germ | 65–85°F |
| Seed Depth | 1" |
| Days to Emergence | 5–10 |
| Soil Temp for Transp | 60°F |
| Plant Spacing | 3–4' |
| Row Spacing | 4–6' |
| Fertilizer Needs | High |
| Minimum Germination | 75% |
| Seeds per Gram | Listed per variety |
| Seed Life | 3 years |
Lagenaria siceraria and cucurbita pepo True gourds belong to the genus Lagenaria, and the species siceraria. The different varieties of L. siceraria do not cross with any other cucurbitaceae. All gourds are vining varieties and can grow to 15 feet. They are often tiered along a trellis or fence to save space. Most are grown for their mature shell and unique shapes.
Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.
Culture
• Requires uniform irrigation totaling 15-20 inches of water during the growing season
• Bee attractant flowers or beehives will help yields — misshapen or non-developing fruit is often the result of poor pollination
Direct Sowing
• Plant after frost danger when soil warms to 65°F
• Work in shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into hill
• Keep soil evenly moist but not wet as too much moisture causes seed to rot
• Bush varieties: sow 3-4 feet apart
• Vining varieties: sow 4-5 feet apart
Transplanting
• Start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to anticipated transplant date in 4 inch pots
• Work in shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into hill
• Transplant carefully as to not disturb roots
Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Cucumber beetles and squash bugs
• Insect control: Pyrethrin
• Common diseases: Various wilts, leaf spots mildews, and various viral diseases
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, and fungicide applications
Harvest & Storage
• Leave on vine until fully mature, rinds should be firm
• Can tolerate a light frost, but must be protected from a hard frost
• Dry gourds: Wash gently in a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach, carefully removing all dirt, then store in a warm, dry location