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Christophine - Chayote

Sechium edule
Chayote, Vegetable Pear, Madeira Marrow, Chaco, Cho-cho

4,2/5
6 reviews
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1 reviews

Large-sized chayote (much bigger than the ones I harvest myself). Waiting for germination. I hope it will grow well. We'll see in the season.

Sandrine, 19/04/2021

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Produces elongated pear-shaped fruits, with rough skin and a green-yellow colour. The flesh is firm and pale green. A fast-growing exotic plant, forming long climbing stems. The resulting fruit has a flavour similar to zucchini and potato. Plant the entire fruit from March to May for a harvest from August to October. Can be grown in open ground or in a pot.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
2 m
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Sun
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to May
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Harvest time August to October
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Description

Chayote, also known as Christophine and Chow Chow, produces pear-shaped fruits with rough, green-yellow skin. The flesh is firm and pale green. It is a fast-growing exotic plant with long climbing stems that can be grown in the ground or in pots. The fruit has a flavor similar to zucchini and potato. Plant the entire fruit from March to May for a harvest from August to October.

 

The term Chayote refers to both the plant and the fruit. It is known by many other names depending on where it is grown. It is called Chouchou or Chayote in Reunion Island, Mirliton in Haiti, Xuxu in Brazil, Chouchoutte in New Caledonia, and so on. Chayote belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, like squash. Originating from Mexico, this exotic plant produces long climbing stems with tendrils that can reach several metres in length. After summer flowering, the plant becomes covered in numerous fruits.

Chayote has a pear-like shape with green-yellow, rough skin. The flesh, located around the central seed, is firm and pale green. The resulting fruit is used as a vegetable. It has a flavor similar to zucchini and potato.

Once peeled, Chayote can be consumed raw or cooked. Grated or diced, it can be used to garnish salads. When baked in gratins, mashed, or sautéed, it adds a touch of originality to dishes. It can also be prepared in sweet dishes, such as cakes, compotes, or jams. Chayote is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, copper, and magnesium.

To grow it in your garden, plant the entire fruit. The seed will germinate inside the fruit. Planting should initially be done in a pot and then, depending on the climate, it can be transferred to the ground or a large pot.

Harvesting: Chayote is harvested at the end of summer and before frost, from August to October. The ripe fruit is green-yellow in colour. It is a very productive plant.

Storage: Harvested fruits can be stored for several months in a cool, well-ventilated place away from light.

Gardener's tip: Everything is edible in Chayote! In some regions, it is common to consume not only the fruit but also the young shoots prepared like asparagus, the leaves cooked in stews, and the tubers in the form of fries.

Harvest

Harvest time August to October
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Medium
Fruit diameter 7 cm
Flavour Sweet
Use Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2 m
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate fast

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour light green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased
Product reference29341

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Planting and care

It is the entire fruit that is planted in the ground for cultivation. This is done in spring, from March to May. Initially grown in a pot, the chayote can then be transplanted into open ground in regions with a mild climate or be grown in a large pot for cooler regions.

In a pot with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in), mix potting soil and garden soil. Plant the entire fruit, with the thinner end facing upwards. Plant it two-thirds deep. Install a stake. Water regularly. Place your pot in a well-lit and warm indoor location. From mid-May, when the risk of frost has passed, you can transplant the chayote into open ground if your winters are mild. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil and appreciates sunny and sheltered spots. Add compost at the time of planting. Install a large trellis for support or let it crawl on the ground if you have enough space. The vines can reach several meters in length. Cut the vines after harvesting. In winter, protect the base from the cold with a thick layer of mulch. The stump will sprout again in May.

In regions with harsh winters, you can continue to cultivate the chayote in a pot. After germination, transfer it to a large pot with a capacity of 15 to 20L, filled with potting soil and garden soil. Use a sturdy stake. During the warmer seasons, place your pot outdoors and bring it indoors before the frost sets in. Keep it in a bright location.

This highly productive plant can produce for 7 to 8 years.

Cultivation

Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to May

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Good

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil Light
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
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