Watermelon 'Kirin' – 300 Seeds – Miniature Variety – Sweet Flesh – Cultivation Pot Garden

Main Features: Botanical Name: Luffa cylindrica (syn. Luffa aegyptiaca) German Name: Loofah, Luffa, Vegetable Sponge Type: Annual climbing plant Number of Seeds: 15 Sowing Time: April to May (under cover) or May-June outdoors, after the last frosts Maturity: For consumption (young fruits): 60 to 70 days after sowing For sponge (dried fruits): 90 to 120 days after sowing Fruit Length: 20–40 cm (young) to 60 cm (mature) Height: Climbing plant, can reach 3–5 m in length Location: Full sun Hardiness: Not hardy (freezes in winter), requires a minimum temperature of 18–20°C to germinate Description: The loofah, also known as luffa or vegetable sponge, is a climbing plant originally from Asia. It produces edible fruits when young and tender. When fully ripe, the dried fruits reveal a natural fiber that forms an ecological and reusable plant sponge. This unique plant combines garden utility with decorative value. Uses: Food: Young fruits (10–20 cm) are eaten cooked like zucchini (stir-fries, soups, casseroles). The flesh is slightly sweet and tender. Natural Sponge: Fruits ripened on the plant turn into a plant sponge, ideal for body care, dishes, or cleaning. Decorative: The climbing plant adorns pergolas, trellises, and fences with dense foliage and yellow flowers. Sowing and Cultivation: Sowing: Time: Sow in pots under cover (greenhouse, conservatory) in April-May. Loofah needs warmth to start well. Seed Preparation: To improve germination, soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing. Depth: Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep, 1 seed per pot. Germination: Germination takes 7 to 14 days at a soil temperature between 20 and 25°C. Transplanting: Plant outdoors in May-June when nighttime temperatures exceed 12°C and plants have 3–4 leaves. Spacing: Outdoors: Plant at a spacing of 80–100 cm in all directions. In pots: Choose a pot with at least 40 cm diameter and 50 cm depth with a climbing support. Cultivation and Care: Soil: Rich in organic matter, deep, and well-drained. Improve with compost before planting. Location: Full sun, sheltered from strong wind. Support: From planting, install a solid support (trellis, pergola, net). The plant climbs naturally. Watering: Regular and abundant, especially during flowering and fruit set. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Fertilization: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer (for flowering and fruit set) every 2–3 weeks after planting. Pruning: Pinch off the main shoot after 6–8 leaves to encourage side shoot development and increase production. Harvest: For consumption (young fruits): Time: Harvest the fruits when they are 10–20 cm long, still tender, and before the skin hardens. Frequency: Harvest regularly to stimulate production. For sponge (dried fruits): Time: Leave the fruits on the plant until the skin turns brown, dry, and slightly cracked (90 to 120 days after sowing). Preparation: Remove the dried fruit from the plant. Remove the outer skin after soaking in water for a few hours. Remove the seeds by tapping or shaking. Dry the sponge for a few days before use. Storage: Plant sponges keep for several years in a dry place. Tips: Loofah is a plant that requires warmth and a long growing season. In regions with short summers (Northern France), cultivation under glass or in a tunnel is recommended. Soaking seeds before sowing is recommended to improve germination. Save some seeds from your best fruits for sowing next year. Packaging: 15 seeds.