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

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12 May 20, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try an agronomist at a farming agency.
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08 May 20, Trevor McPherson (Australia - temperate climate)
Do choko have a white sap it grows rampant i treat is a weed.
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25 May 20, Tonyw (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like moth weed which is climbing pest
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11 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look on the internet to see if the leaves are the same. Or is it bearing fruit. Could be sweet potato?????
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26 Jan 20, Maureen Po (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having the same problem Growing well all new leaves are curling inwards. I have treated for mites but I haven’t seen anything on the leaves. Anyone have any advise?
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27 Jan 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
You could have a virus. Is the plant stunted?
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18 Nov 19, Marlene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Growers food markets are a good place to source chokos. Facebook also has localised growers sites. I've given many sprouted chokos away as there is only so many you can eat - they are so prolific. Have some at the moment if you live in the Clarence Valley.
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21 Oct 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you put me in touch with some Australian choko growers please.
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23 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Phone your state fruit and vegetable growing organisation.
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21 Oct 19, Carine (Australia - temperate climate)
I notice that someone asked the question of where you can source choko tubers, but there is no reply. I would be interested to know as I am looking for some tubers myself. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. With many thanks.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 267 comments
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Cut back the vines to about 12 inches above ground after the last choko has been picked, closer to the end of winter. They will have very little growth for ages and then grow again when the time is right. The leaves can be dead at the beginning of vines but still keep fruit growing at the ends. They fruit for many months.

- Julie Pannell

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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.
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