Chayote, a member of the cucurbit family (along with cucumber, melons, and squash), is a perennial vine. The fruits are similar to summer squash, and are used both in cooking and raw in salads and salsas.
Planting
- Chayote is a perennial plant, but it's good practice to renew it at least every three years due to potential disease problems.
- Propagate by seed or by planting a whole, sprouted chayote fruit on its side, leaving the sprout above the soil.
- Plant seed or sprouted fruit in May to September, possibly in April or October depending on weather and local conditions.
- Provide a strong trellis for its vigorous climbing vine.
Harvesting
- As a short day plant, chayote only initiates flowering when day length is less than about 12 hours.
- Fruit development takes 1 to 2 months after pollination.
- Harvest when the fruit is about 4 to 6 inches in diameter, at 4 to 5 months after planting.
- Without pruning, chayote vine may grow to more than 10 meters long. Prune vines for a better harvest.
Pest management
Chayote has similar pests and disorders to those affecting squash.
Other links
- Video: How to Grow Chayote [3:24]
- Chayote, Purdue University, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture