How to Grow Chayote

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Chayote is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Chayote in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the chayote page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Green Chayote, Plant a whole sprouting fruit (grocery fruit / nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 200 cm (79 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 8 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Few. In humid regions, Powdery mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Chayote is usually ready to harvest in about 4 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant chayote where you garden.

See also: Chayote in the plant library →

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