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
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Dec 21, Asor (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where to buy choko
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Dec 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy one from a shop and let it sprout then plant it.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Nov 21, Carol (Australia - arid climate)
I have a choko that is starting to shoot. Can I plant this now in Dubbo.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Nov 21, Purry (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Can chayote grow in Calgary, Alberta?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 21, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Warm hot weather.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 21, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Check the climate zone here for that area.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Aug 22, Anthony (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
buy a whole choko from the store set aside indoors ( maybe in a fruit bowl ) and it will sprout a vine on its own Then plant the whole thing .. i have a posting becoming available, that will explain the process after that
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 267 comments
See comments for all plants

Wanting to get Choko fruit for planting in Broken Hill. Not certain when or where to purchase can you help? Would like to talk to NAFISA whose Dec.11 comments could be interesting as it looks as if they also reside in BROKEN HILL.

- Brian Wood

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.