Living a Luffa Life

JudySalamacha300DPIThen & Now
By Judy Salamacha

A luffa sponge isn’t grown in the ocean? Seriously, luffa sponges are harvested in Nipomo, and from vines no less.
Deanne Coon, co-owner of The Luffa Farm, claims, “It’s a plant with an attitude. It will either like you and grow for you or not.” Since 2003, she’s invited the public to visit and discover the mysteries of the luffa.
Judy S Loofa Stage DoneCoon had success growing luffas in Northern California, but after moving to Nipomo it took her three years to discover the perfect conditions her vines liked. Chasing off hungry gophers and creating a cozier environment inside greenhouses produced thriving luffa vines.
In 2003 she had enough sponges to create a mail order business and sell to a few local outlets. Long’s Drugs was first to agree to carry her luffa sponges. The growing business allowed Coon to work from home while the kids were in school and ultimately provided a family-run operation retailing luffa sponges, glycerin-based soaps and lotions online (see: www.theluffafarm.com) and onsite at 1457 Willow Rd., across the road from Black Lake Golf Course.
The Luffa Farm welcomes unannounced visitors, but requests groups larger than eight to call ahead. An engaging tour guide, Coon enjoys retelling how free public tours began by happenstance at her family’s homestead. “A lady showed up with her kids and asked, ‘What time does the shuttle leave? I don’t want the kids to get wet.’ She thought we would take them to the ocean. Then a few days later, a guy stopped by interested in a tour. We enjoy kids eight to 80 stopping by to learn something new.”
Currently the farm is producing 5,000 to 10,000 luffa sponges a year. Nipomo’s micro-climate wards off freezes and the greenhouses protect the blossoms from the wind. The vines produce all year long with peak production June through October. Only one of many blossoms on a single vine will produce the cucumber-like pod.
“Blooms compete like survival of the fittest,” Coon said. “The luffa is a quirky plant.”
Judy S Loofas On VineThe largest sponges are 19 to 32 inches long and can grow up to one-half inch a day for 120 days. Small or large, when the luffa weighs as much as the vine can support, it stops growing and turns on itself. The vines suck up the nutrients and the luffa dries up.
“Kids like to peel off the skin and shake out the seeds. ” Coon explained most people are familiar with hard sponges attached to a handle for shower use that quickly mildew so are thrown away. “Once the thin skin is peeled, our luffa is a soft, non-abrasive sponge that will last for months. It can be used in the bath, on fine china or outside on the car.” They should be cleaned regularly in the clothes or dishwasher.
“We might be the only free tour site around,” Coon said, “and we’ll cater lunch with reservations.” School tours, seniors’ or service groups may tour Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We’ll often do a school tour and junior will bring grandpa back on the weekend.”
Family members and staff conduct tours for whomever shows up to explain the luffa’s unique growing cycle. The casual tour is an easy walk on stable grounds and inside greenhouses. Over the years the family added outdoor seating in a demonstration garden producing “backyard herbs;” another topic equally ripe for lessons about the benefits of medicinal herbs.
Production of what Coon calls their “backyard herbs” grew from home remedies she learned from her grandmother. “We enjoy teaching about herbs our ancestors used. On the farm they couldn’t run to a doctor or pharmacy. But they knew certain plants could provide relief or a cure.”
A short list of herbal lessons Coon teaches include: Lavender is a stress reliever, insect repellent and attitude adjustor. Think time-out time for the kids, she suggested. Spearmint improves alertness and focus. She said that Nipomo schools now encourage students to chew spearmint gum before a test. Peppermint soothes sore muscles, arthritic hands or diabetic foot pain. Rosemary relieves fatigue and respiratory congestion. Chamomile is an anti-depressant and aids relaxation. Rose induces calm and can be an aphrodisiac.
“Our soaps and lotions are made from our backyard herbs. We use glycerin, not alcohol and lightly scent,” said Coon. “We’ve been told our soaps have helped everything from youth acne to dandruff or dry skin in pets or humans.”

Judy Salamacha’s Now & Then column is special to Tolosa Press. Reach her at or call 801-1422.