Growing in Mackay

Best time to plant luffa in Mackay

Luffa species

Also called loofah, loofa, Chinese okra

Sow luffa in Mackay in Aug to Mar.

Eaten young as a vegetable, luffa is the fruit of a vine in the pumpkin and gourd family. Once fully ripe it turns too fibrous for the table, but the mature fruit can be processed down to its fibre network and used as a sponge for the bath or kitchen.

When to sow in Mackay

Mackay, QLD is in the subtropical zone. Its months for luffa apply here without a frost adjustment.

Matches local guides.

Your local conditions can shift any months shown here, so treat them as a guide.

Frost in Mackay

Mackay frosts in fewer than 1 year in 10, so frost doesn't hold back any planting here.

From its Bureau of Meteorology station, 1991 to 2020, counting a night at 2°C or lower as a frost. Frost hollows and hillsides can shift these dates by weeks, so ask the growers at your garden too.

On a shared plot: needs a lot of room

A big climber that needs a strong frame. Check where its shade will fall.

Growing details

How to start
Raise seedlings, then transplant
Sowing depth
15mm
Plant spacing
50cm
Row spacing
25cm
Height
900cm
Germination
14-21 days at 25-30°C
Frost
Frost tender
Sun
Full sun
Life cycle
annual

These are typical figures, and varieties differ. Your seed packet takes priority.

Luffa elsewhere

Luffa across Australia