Chayote (Sechium edule) is a type of squash native to Mesoamerica and widely cultivated in warm climates worldwide. It belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and is known for its light green, wrinkled, pear-shaped fruit. The entire plant is edible, including the fruit, shoots, leaves, and even the root.
Growing Chayote
Climate: Prefers warm, tropical, or subtropical climates but can grow in temperate regions with a long growing season.
Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods.
Propagation: Typically grown from whole mature fruits that sprout when stored in a warm place.
Support: A trellis or fence is ideal for climbing vines.
Uses
Culinary: Can be eaten raw in salads, cooked in soups, stir-fries, and stews, or stuffed and baked.
Medicinal: Traditionally used to support kidney health and reduce high blood pressure.
Nutritional Value: Low in calories, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and folate.
Chayote Root
How to Grow Chayote (Sechium edule) at Home
Chayote is an easy-to-grow, highly productive vine that thrives in warm climates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing it successfully in your home garden.
1. Choosing and Sprouting a Chayote
Buy a mature chayote fruit from a store or market. Look for one that is firm with no blemishes.
Store the fruit in a warm, dark place (like a kitchen counter or a paper bag) until a sprout emerges from the broader end. This may take 2–4 weeks.
Once sprouted, place the fruit in a shallow container with the sprout pointing upward, allowing it to grow until it’s about 6 inches long before planting.
2. Planting Chayote
Time: Plant after the last frost when the soil is warm (spring or early summer).
Location: Choose a spot with full sun and a strong support structure (trellis, fence, or arbor).
Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with compost for added nutrients.
Spacing: Dig a hole about 4–6 inches deep and plant the whole fruit at a 45-degree angle with the sprout facing up. Space plants about 10 feet apart to allow for vigorous growth.
3. Caring for Chayote
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing: Use compost or organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to boost growth.
Support: Train the vines onto a trellis to maximize air circulation and fruit production.
4. Harvesting
Timeframe: Chayote takes about 4–6 months to produce fruit.
When to Harvest: Pick when the fruit is light green, about 4–6 inches long, and still tender.
Yield: A single plant can produce dozens to hundreds of fruits in one season.
5. Overwintering (For Cooler Climates)
In colder regions, dig up the plant’s tuberous root and store it in a cool, dry place to replant in spring.
Alternatively, grow chayote in a large container and bring it indoors during winter.
