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

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08 Apr 22, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
You are temperate NZ and by the guide here it won't grow in your area. It needs warmer weather.
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06 Jan 22, Lance Hill (USA - Zone 9a climate)
We would love to hear from anyone growing chokos (chayote/mirlitons) on your techniques and experiences. Our website is devoted to all things Mirlitons: www.Mirliton.org, including the world's largest collection of chayote recipes. I also have an article on the history of mirlitons that links the Australian and U.S. varieties.
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20 Dec 21, Asor (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where to buy choko
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21 Dec 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy one from a shop and let it sprout then plant it.
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21 Nov 21, Carol (Australia - arid climate)
I have a choko that is starting to shoot. Can I plant this now in Dubbo.
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23 Nov 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
The only climate zone they say here for growing choko is sub-tropical. You could try and see what happens.
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05 Nov 21, Purry (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Can chayote grow in Calgary, Alberta?
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10 Nov 21, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Warm hot weather.
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10 Nov 21, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Check the climate zone here for that area.
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02 Nov 21, Rosie Spence (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where am I able to get Choko plants or seeds in NZ, I’m finding them difficult to access, thank you in advance
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Showing 31 - 40 of 268 comments
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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.

- Anonymous

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