Not to be confused with the Coyote, this is actually a vegetable that you can grow in your garden. If you have grown pumpkins or summer squash, then you are probably ready to to tackle this other vine producing plant. Alright, are you ready to discover how to grow chayote in your backyard garden?
The scientific name is Sechium edule, and it’s origin can be traced back to the Central America region of the world. The fruit is roughly pear shaped and will be a pale green, whitish color when it is ready for harvest. As for the flavor, think something similar to squash but more of the nutty side. When left to grow freely, the vines of one plant can grow as much as 50 feet long.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- chayote seeds---------------------- Advertisement ----------------------or vines
------------------------------------------------------------------- - compost
- compost tea
- trellis
The ideal climate is a very warm to hot one, that is why they do well in tropical or subtropical regions. However, in cooler areas that experience less than 120 days of warm temperatures it is advised you use containers. Find an area that gets a lot of sunlight, with well draining soil and a relatively acidic pH. They say, one vine should be enough to feed a family of 4.
Wait about 4 weeks after the last frost before planting the whole fruit about 6 inches deep and 10 feet apart. The vine will need support to keep it off the ground, therefore it is recommended you install a trellis. In addition to the compost at planting, compost tea should be applied every month or so until harvest. Water regularly and keep an eye out for aphids.
You can get more information on the Harvest To Table blog, here…
You can watch the video below on How to Grow Chayote…
You can watch the video below on Sprouting & Planting Chayote’s (Choko’s)…
