Luffa Seeds for planting Germination: 10 to 15 days. Luffa plants need between 120 and 200 days of heat, so if you live in cooler climates you’ll need to start seeds inside, or in a greenhouse. Once your luffa has germinated and the first set of true leaves show, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer. When the plants are 3-4″ tall you can plant them out into the garden. It grows fast and may begin to flower only 2 months after seeding. Chinese Okra, Sponge Gourd, Ghosaval, Lufa, Loofah, or Loofa. Chinese Okra Loofah Non-GMO Heirloom Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the pumpkin, squash and gourd family. It is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable, but must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible. The vegetable is popular in India, China, Nepal, Bhutan. can make loofah scrubbing sponge. Luffa is a fast-growing warm season climbing vine producing abundant fruit. Luffa fruit can be eaten young as a vegetable, with a taste similar to zucchini.