Luffa aegyptiaca [Mill] white seeds viable?

[urbanfarmer]

So, I harvested some luffa gourds early because the vine got sliced and it was sure to die and rot if I left it, but now that I've cut it up and cleaned it I see the seeds are white. They are black when mature. Has anyone had experience trying to plant these white seeds? Any success? The inside is pretty meaty in most of them and the gourd itself seemed fairly mature and far along, but not quite done. I just cleaned them and they are sitting around drying. I will plant some and see, but if anyone has any experience PLEASE share!

[stucco]

Some of my best growing cucumbers and cantaloupe were compost bin volunteers.

[urbanfarmer]

:lol: thanks! I hope they sprout!

[urbanfarmer]

The seeds got moldy and the ones I stored also got moldy. I'm not sure if I didn't let them dry long enough even though I left them out longer than the other seeds I harvested, but it makes me think the seeds were not ready since they decomposed so readily.

[urbanfarmer]

OKAY! SO, I left one of the luffa gourds sitting on the counter. It turned brown and felt dry inside like it was supposed to do on the vine. I guess the plant stayed alive all this time because when I removed the skin (quite easy this time) the inside was almost completely dry. No mold or funny smells. The seeds were BLACK. I can't believe the seeds kept maturing so well in the gourd without sunlight or being attached to the plant. It's very neat, but now I have to see if the seeds sprout.