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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02 Mar 16, Alwin (Australia - temperate climate)
My choko grows many tiny chokos about the size of almond in Melbourne. But they all dried out and none of them swell to bigger fruit. The plant is about 6 months old now and vines already cover 3 meter fences. Anyone know why?
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05 Apr 16, Guy (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I live in the Yarra Valley and planted my first chocko vine in Victoria in late December. I come from Queensland and they grow very easy there just about all year round. I think your vine may not be getting enough water or possibly needs more sun or warmth. Mine has just started to fruit but may be to late as the cold morning have started. I also give it a feet of seasol every 2 weeks and that seems to help with the fruiting. Hope that has helped
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01 Mar 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
does chokos like climate in country like colder winter example Russia - 15 would it last
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14 Jan 16, Karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi my question is will chokos grow in an area where they would get some hours of sun, then be shaded for the rest of the day. I live in Bundaberg sth east Qld, thanks
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17 Oct 15, sonja (Australia - temperate climate)
I've planted a choko and it was doing well and had plenty of new chokos but now they have all dropped off and the leaves are going yellow and then dying. What can I do for it so I can get a crop.
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29 Aug 15, Kerri (Australia - temperate climate)
I had my first season last year the vine is still there but now I see new growth coming. Is it safe to cut back the old vine to make way for the new ones coming. I don't want to lose my vine at all. Thank you
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03 Jun 15, Luca (Australia - temperate climate)
When planting choko in the pot do I need to plant two together or one is enough?
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19 Sep 15, Kerri (Australia - temperate climate)
Just one
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01 Jun 15, Jason Rosa (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Beaudesert South East Queensland and am wonderind when should I plant my choko plant as I have 2 that have sprouted now and if they will last till planting time thank you
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10 Jun 15, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mycokos are almost bullet proof, I have planted them at odd times of year and they dont mind. Just put them in in a shallow hole and jump back!
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Showing 131 - 140 of 221 comments
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You can try - the times here are only a guide - they are not perfect all the time - if it doesn't work plant earlier next time. An idea is to buy a choko a couple of months earlier than planting - put it down the bottom of the pantry in the cool dark place. It will probably start to shoot after awhile. Come Dec plant it in the soil.

- Mike

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