Luffa aegyptica not growing as quickly as I would have liked

Everybody doubtless already knows it's a kind of cucumber/loofah gourd. I got some seeds and they seemed to grow nicely by Easter, but the plants I have still look small. Is North‑Eastern England likely to be too cold for them, or something?

I have some Luffa aegyptica plants which aren't growing as fast as I would like. Since we aren't exactly in a tropical area, should I keep them in the greenhouse or take them out and grow them up the shed roof?

I grow all kinds of gourds in my garden and luffa is usually the slowest one. Last year I started luffa indoor and transplanted outside as soon as I could to extend the growing season. But it would not take off until july when weather got hot. Then it grew like crazy till first frost. I ate some young gourds and still got whole year supply of dish sponges plus many to give away from 4 plants.

If your plant is in a sunny location and the soil is fertile then it will finally catch up.

Thank you I shall be patient with it.

I have grown Luffa for the first time this year, I live in Evesham area. The plants grew really strongly from seed, but slowed up compared to physalis I was also growing. I am growing one in a polytunnel, which has now reached the roof, but producing only 1 luffa so far. I put another plant in a pot outdoors but it just hasnt put on any growth. They do seem to need extra warmth, and I am not sure that summer in the north east of England really hacks it! i am hoping for more fruits from the polytunnel, but I think it is probably too late now.
Good luck with it anyway!

I'd like to add that there are different luffa varieties, maybe some will mature faster in your climate. At least I am not happy with how my luffa taste, I am going to get seeds from a different source and see if will come out better.

Thank you I worry about Physalis; we have one which has only once produced anything even approaching edible. In the garden it is a shy retiring plant, like Japanese knotweed and mint.

May Lotito wrote:. . . different luffa varieties . . . seeds from a different source . . . .

Sounds a good idea, thank you. I might also try sowing them earlier if I try again next year.