Chinese-okra

Chinese-okra

Luffa acutangula

Luffa
Cucurbitaceae
Tropical Plants
Zone 912

Chinese okra, or ridged luffa, is a vigorous tropical vine that needs a sturdy trellis, full sun, and consistent moisture to produce its best harvest of edible young fruits. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and water regularly during the growing season, reducing frequency once the plant is established. Harvest fruits young for eating, or allow them to mature fully on the vine to produce natural loofah sponges.

Care Requirements

Care Level

Moderate

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Growth Rate

Moderate

Mature Height

12″ – 36″

Soil

loam

Life Cycle

Perennial

Spacing

36

Watering Schedule

Every 5-7 Days • Water Regularly To Keep Soil Evenly Moist, Especially During Flowering And Fruiting; Avoid Waterlogging

Temperature

60°95°F

Mature Spread

up to 24

Root Depth

Medium

Foliage

Coarse

Propagation: Seed

Ecology & Origin

Native to

Assam
Bangladesh
Benin
Burkina
Caroline Is.
Chad
Chagos Archipelago
China South-Central
China Southeast
Cuba
Dominican Republic
East Himalaya
Gulf States
Gulf of Guinea Is.
Haiti
India
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Laos
Leeward Is.

Attracts

🐝 Bees
🐝 Butterflies
Safety & Use
🍳 Culinary
⚕ Medicinal

Sources

Data: trefle

Image: trefle.io — Taken May 12, 2022 by CLAUDIA SOFIA AYLUARDO PALACIOS (cc-by-sa)

Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Available From (0)

No nurseries currently have this species in stock.