Gourds are vigorous growers and will readily adapt to a trellis, fence, or arbor for support. For luffa plants, a very sturdy support is essential to keep all developing fruit off the ground. Fruit will form areas of discoloration if allowed to come in contact with the ground. Provide consistent watering especially during hot, dry conditions. Weeds may be controlled with mulches or by hand cultivation.
Mulches have the advantage of conserving soil moisture and keeping fruit clean.
Hand cultivation should be done with care since gourds have shallow roots and injury can result with deep cultivation. Pollination Gardeners become concerned when gourd plants blossom, but do not set fruit. Gourds produce separate male and female flowers. Male flowers serve as the pollinator and female flowers bear fruit. The female flower can be distinguished by the presence of the immature fruit at its base.