PLANT PROFILE:
Luffa plants are medium-sized (200cm or 6 ft) vines that grow much like squash and cucumbers (same family) but produce  elongated fruits that dry into thin-shelled gourds.  When dried (seeds rattle), the papery skin can be easily peeled off, revealing the skeletal form that is the "dried sponge". Luffa are also edible when fresh.  Directly sowing seeds is possible in warm, well drained, rich soil but, in our Zone 6 climate, we start the seeds inside.  Provide a sturdy trellis support and water regularly.   Luffa has a pretty, medium-sized lemon yellow flower.