Admire its beautyenjoy its flavoruse its inner sponge. Prolific, vigorous vining annuals produce yellow blooms that attract pollinators and set fruit that, when young, can be sauted, pickled, or even eaten raw. By late summer, gourds turn a deep green and start to wrinkle, signaling its time to harvest and peel them for their dense, tan inner sponge. After seeds are removed and the gourd is cured, luffa sponges can be used for everything from scrubbing your back to washing dishes and even cleaning the barbeque grill. Gourds grow 12-18" in length, 4-7" in diameter. 100-plus days.

• 12-18" fruits
• Vining Annual
• /-290 seeds/oz