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 USA - Zone 5a 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 USA | for all countries
22 Oct 19, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
I just planted a whole choko in the ground and forgot about it. Had to get rid of it in the end as it got a bit out of hand.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Trim the plant back after it fruits each year. I had a 600mm high young passionfruit (?) plant grow to over 10 m long in the space of a year. I have just cut 2/3 of it off. The neighbour waters the hell out of her plants on the other side of the fence. I didn't have many fruit but a huge vine.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Aug 19, Gordon (Australia - tropical climate)
Can i grow chokos in Cairns in a pot do i need two ive planted them in a pot using potting mix do i have to water them Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Aug 19, David (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
When to prune choko vine? Have got some healthy fruits from 1st plant and the vine seems to be weathering now. Have been advised to trim it down to the ground. Any advice please?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Aug 19, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
After the fruiting season, cut back the choko vines to four or five short vines to grow for the next season. Chokos are best picked when they are young, because they are more tender and can be eaten with their skin on.May 3, 2019.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Jul 19, Brian Wood (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in far west NSW and would like to grow choko vines. They do grow here (Broken Hill) as my father grew them successfully. Can you advise me the best way to grow them and where I can purchase fruit, plants or seeds. Would really welcome your advice. Brian Wood.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy some chokos from a supermarket or grocer and wait until they start sprouting then plant. Grow on a trellis. Look up how to grow on the internet.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jun 19, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can i buy chayote from
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy a choko from a fruit and veg shop.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Apr 19, Beverley Prior (Australia - temperate climate)
where can I purchase some choko vines which have been potted or bagged to help me get started. I live on the east coast about 100 klms from sydney but have the room to grow a healthy vine with perhaps cucumbers. Thank You
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 81 - 90 of 266 comments
See comments for all plants

The info about planting is on the choko page. Click on the Vegetables and Herbs tab and then click on Choko .

- Anonymous

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.