While the pods can grow up to 3 feet in length, they are best when only 10 to 12 inches in length. The plants are tolerant of high temperature and acid soils but intolerant of cold temperatures, and under low soil moisture the pods are short and fibrous. Yard-long beans will produce well where high temperatures prevent flower set of snap beans. It is also known as dishcloth gourd or luffa when fully mature. It is harvested for eating while still tender.
Plants are vigorous growing vines related to melons and squash, and are grown in the same way.
Plants are more productive when trained on a trellis and can produce 10 to 20 fruit per plant. Fruits are elongated, cylindrical and may be more than a foot long. Plant seed after all danger of frost is past and the soil is warm in hills 3 feet apart in rows at least 4 feet apart. For maximum production, trellis the plants. Cultural requirements are the same as for other members of the cucurbit family.