DATE:   10/10/96
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (803) 656-2604

Harvesting Luffa Sponge Plants

     Q:  I have a luffa sponge plant (Luffa aegyptiaca) and I'd
like to know when and how to harvest the fruits to make sponges. 
     A:  Harvest the mature gourds when they begin to turn brown,
feel light and dry, and rattle when you shake them. After the
first killing freeze, remove any more dried gourds. Allow the
remaining gourds to dry on the vine or bring them inside to a
warm, dry ventilated area.
     You can save the seeds from large, well-formed gourds by
breaking off the bloom end of the dried gourd and shaking it or
beating two of them together.
     The outer skin is easy to remove from mature, dry gourds. 
Soak the gourds in warm water until the sponge slips out. Slip
your fingers between the outer shell and the fibrous material to
release the sponge.
     To whiten the sponges you can dip them into a 10 percent
chlorine bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) after
you've rinsed off the excess pulp. Allow the sponges to dry
thoroughly on racks or suspend them in cheesecloth or mesh bags.
     The fruits from the luffa sponge gourd plant can be used as
bath sponges or scrubbers for pots and pans. The tough fibers are
biodegradable and can be discarded in your compost pile when
you're finished using them.
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to 
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311.
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