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Home GARDEN Garden Guide

How to Grow and Care for Chayote In Your Garden

Lois Capone by Lois Capone
June 10, 2024
in Garden Guide
Reading Time: 4 mins read

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Toggle
  • About Chayote
  • Benefits of Chayote
  • Propagation
  • How to Grow and Care for Chayote
  • How to Care for Chayote
  • Harvest
  • Preservation

Are you passionate about the yummy taste of chayote? This bright green, pear-shaped vegetable offers a great flavor that’s a cross between a cucumber and an apple.

But chayote isn’t just about its fruit; every part of this plant is edible. While it requires some time and effort to grow, the end result is worth it.

Ready to embark on this exciting gardening journey? Read on to learn how to grow and care chayote for the bountiful crops.

 

About Chayote

Chayote (Sechium edule), commonly known as sayote, is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae.

This plant yields a delightful, pear-shaped fruit with green or white skin, boasting a mild and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance many dishes.

Chayote vines are impressive, reaching up to 50 feet in length, with fruits that can weigh as much as 1.2 kg.

Its large, heart-shaped leaves and small, non-showy flowers are essential for fruit production.

Thriving in regions with temperatures between 55-70°F and annual precipitation of 1500-2000 mm, chayote is a robust plant that brings a touch of nature’s bounty to your garden.

What is Chayote?
What is Chayote?

 

Benefits of Chayote

Chayote is a good source of vitamins and minerals. A 203g serving provides fiber (4g), carbs (9g), protein (2g), vitamin C (26%), vitamin B9 (47%), vitamin K (10%), and more.

Compared to apples, melons, and papayas, chayote ranks in the top 3% of foods low in calories.

Fruit and shoots of chayote are useful in wines, pies, kimchi, pickles, and candies. The vines are crafted into versatile bags and hats.

Its low calorie and high fiber content support weight loss, and its leaves help dissolve kidney stones and treat arteriosclerosis and hypertension.

Chayote is also used in cosmetics for its anti-aging properties and effectiveness in reducing wrinkles.

Benefits of Chayote
Benefits of Chayote

 

Propagation

Chayote is propagated by planting the entire mature fruit at a 45-degree angle with the shoot downward.

Space plants 7-11 feet apart and use a trellis about 6 feet tall for support.

Choose green, non-spiny fruits with short internode vines and good adaptability. Fully matured fruits with hard peels are ideal for propagation.

Propagation
Propagation

 

How to Grow and Care for Chayote

How to Grow Chayote

1. Preparation

Planting Site

Choose a spacious spot with full sun or partial shade.

Planting Site
Planting Site

 

Time

Plant after the last frost when the soil reaches at least 65°F.

 

Chayote Seeds

Use whole chayote squash in good condition, free of blemishes.

 

Trellis

Prepare a trellis to support the climbing vines.

 

2. How to Grow Chayote

Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep. Place the squash at a 45-degree angle, wide side down.

Cover with soil without burying it too deeply to prevent rot. Space plants at least 10 feet apart.

Tips: Boost productivity by planting chayote alongside pumpkins, peppers, and squash.

How to Grow Chayote
How to Grow Chayote

 

How to Care for Chayote

Soil and Water

Plant chayote in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Water regularly, ensuring not to overwater to maintain healthy growth.

 

Light

Chayote thrives with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.

 

Temperature and Humidity

This plant is ideal for tropical and subtropical climates. In Zone 8, prune and mulch heavily for overwintering. In Zone 7, grow chayote as an annual if planted early.

 

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote bushier growth.

 

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer every 6-7 weeks to keep your chayote thriving.

How to Care for Chayote
How to Care for Chayote

 

Common Problems

Squash Vine Borer: Prevent with trap crops and row covers.

Aphids: Remove with water, organic soap, or neem oil.

Powdery mildew: Water at the soil level in the morning.

Common Problems
Common Problems

 

Harvest

The ideal time to harvest chayote is from late summer to early fall when the fruits are bright green, 4 to 6 inches long, and have soft skin.

Ensure you pick them promptly to avoid the development of hard skin or wrinkles, maintaining their optimal taste and texture.

Harvest
Harvest

 

Preservation

Dried Chayote

Soak it in tap water for 40 minutes. Then, fry it with onions, tomatoes, and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes.

This method extends the shelf life of chayote to at least 3 months, while also boosting your intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and zinc.

 

Freezing Chayote

Select uniformly colored, firm chayote fruits. Store them at 50-60°F with 90% humidity in a closed container or plastic bag.

This method preserves chayote in the fridge for up to 1 month, ensuring you can enjoy its freshness longer.

Preservation
Preservation

 

To continue learning more about gardening tips and exploring fascinating stories, stay connected with us. Keep discovering the world of gardening with our latest updates and insights!

How to Grow and Care for Chayote In Your Garden
How to Grow and Care for Chayote In Your Garden
Tags: chayote
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Lois Capone

Lois Capone

Lois Capone is a wife and mom in her 50s who enjoys sharing gardening, DIY tips, and home decor ideas. She believes that with some inspiration, anyone can create a special feel in their home and garden.

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