Growing Choko/Chayote, also Chayote squash, christophene, chouchou, mirliton

Sechium edule : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • Easy to grow. Plant whole mature fruit when one produces a shoot at one end.. Best planted at soil temperatures between 59°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks. Best when fruit is light green and not more than 6 cm long.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cucumbers

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
09 Nov 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are they receiving enough water?
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Oct 20, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought my last one from Coles. I bought the smallest and oldest looking one. Currently the sprout is about 3 inches and I will probably plant it out in a couple of days. It was not organic or anything - just regular off the shelf.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Oct 20, Shez (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The choko you buy in shops used to sprout and you could grow them, in the last couple of years I have bought many and they don’t sprout. I think they must treat them somehow to stop sprouting. You have to find someone who has a vine to get one for growing on, I have been given a pale one, but would like a standard green one, they are hardier plants, the pale one suffers badly from mealy bug and doesn’t give much fruit.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Oct 20, sanjiv (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i buy choko seeds/vine? I am in Johannesburg.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try from market gardens or find someone local to ask to buy one from.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Buy one from a shop and put in a cool spot. It should start sending out a vine in awhile. Then plant it.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Sep 20, Lois (Australia - temperate climate)
Can anyone please tell if chokos you buy in a supermarket will grow and produce fruit. Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Sep 20, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jun 20, Jaco (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What kind of soil and nutrition do choko need.?What kind of root system do it have depth of ground ext
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Jun 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I suggest you do some research on the internet about soil for gardening. Preparing soil takes a few weeks or months before planting. If you prepare your soil properly you add compost and even manure to it 2-3 months before planting. Dig soil 250-300mm deep.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 61 - 70 of 268 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Catherine, thanks for the tip re the choko chocolate cake. I have had a look at it and noticed sugar is mentioned twice ie 1 1/2 cups and then later 1 cup. Is this a miss print? it just seems like a lot of sugar for 125g of butter. cheers, Sandra

- Sandra

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.