luffa question

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HeatherY Kensington, NY Sep 25, 2014

I planted luffa and the vines went crazy, spreading up the fence and up about three stories into the neighbor's cedar tree- I can see the flowers from my second floor bathroom and I say to myself
"Well, that's for the birds."

Literally.

But there is one close the the ground that I can pick, and I want to know when. It is about a foot long and feels as if it is liquid inside the skin. should I leave it until it becomes a sponge-like thing?

I still want to pick and eat one, what should I watch for in the eight inch long one?

cheers
Heather Y.

Post #9947643
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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Sep 25, 2014

For an edible, luffas (either the smooth or angular) need to be young and small (less than 6 inches) As they get larger they get tough and fibrous. Fully ripe at 1-2 feet, they are suitable only as sponges.

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HeatherY Kensington, NY Sep 25, 2014

Thanks- it looks like I have grown my first sponge.
But...but... the long one is watery inside, I tell you!
Does it just hang on the vine until it looks dry and or it drops?
Heather Y.

Post #9947694
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HeatherY Kensington, NY Sep 25, 2014

pictures of the runaway squash vine...see the rooftops?
the ones taken through my bathroom screen get much
better after you enlarge them,
Heather Y.

Thumbnail by HeatherY Thumbnail by HeatherY Thumbnail by HeatherY Thumbnail by HeatherY Thumbnail by HeatherY
Post #9947756
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HeatherY Kensington, NY Oct 20, 2014

The luffa update--
I have picked a two big ones and two small ones. I am going to eat the small ones, but how do I get the big ones to turn into sponges?

I have left a big one on the vine so it can pull the vine lower, making it easier to harvest the small ones.
cheers
Heather

Post #9961718
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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Oct 20, 2014

Just let them dry, on the vine preferably.

Post #9961798
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