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
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Choko/Chayote in Australia - tropical regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Easy to grow. Plant whole mature fruit when one produces a shoot at one end.. Best planted at soil temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 100 cm 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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21 Oct 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you put me in touch with some Australian choko growers please.
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23 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Phone your state fruit and vegetable growing organisation.
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21 Oct 19, Carine (Australia - temperate climate)
I notice that someone asked the question of where you can source choko tubers, but there is no reply. I would be interested to know as I am looking for some tubers myself. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. With many thanks.
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22 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy from a shop then leave them sit in the cupboard or windowsill. Go to google and research how to grow choko.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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