Breeding short season cold climate luffa

[Garrett Schantz]

I'd also like to mention, that Luffa has more pores than typical plastic sort of loofahs.


They can hold more bacteria and things than usual.


I believe that a hybrid with the medicinal Indian type, could prove to repel insects, but I'm unsure if they'd be safe for humans.


I do know, that Loofahs tend to never become as water absorbent or breakable and the like after fully drying and maturing.


So, picking them when they're brown - that's the ideal stage typically. That'll probably retain its form.


It's probably possible to get non toxic flowers or other things, soaked into a large vessel. Then, you can place loofahs into them, before they're fully dried out.

I'd pick them yellow.


After that, let them soak their for awhile in that stuff.



I've been considering using Tulip tree flowers.

Or bigleaf magnolia flowers.


If I have roses growing, maybe those petals too.



It's probably possible to infuse some chemicals into Loofahs in this fashion.

There are non toxic chemicals, which would probably infuse themselves pretty well into dried loofah.


Saponins from Magnolias or Tulip trees, may also infuse well into Loofah.


Saponins, in certain amounts, will create a soapy / bubbly substance and are what made original forms of soap.


If you get some anti microbial / anti fungus things infused into Loofahs, these also likely wouldn't cause mold or things.


Once a certain dye or coloration leaves the Loofah, you toss it and get a new one.


I'd recommend against using toxic or non edible dyes or plants on plates or for dishes, unless you're certain they're safe.

The same goes for ones used for bathing.


These Loofahs would also possible add scents to plates and things for some periods of time, and some chemicals could act as less harmful alternatives for bleach.


And, loofahs can mold when stored.

I'd assume that imbuing some chemicals into them, would cause them to last longer.


I see Loofahs as a possibly free alternative to plastic loofah things.


Plus, if you live alone or have a small family - making large batches, those would last awhile if you're only using them for dishes.



When I see breeding projects, I try adding in things like this in. Dunno if anyone else likes the idea.