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
17 Oct 15, A Nelson (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am attempting to get a food forest going in my back garden up in the Tamar Valley area. It is relatively protected from winds by big trees and good sun. I really like chokos and am interested in growing them...are you still sending out sprouted seeds? By any chance would you know where I might find cold tolerant lady finger bananas, ichigo or hokowase strawberries and cranberries? Would love to give these a try. Thanks for your help! Cheers
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Dec 10, Howard mcKinnon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I want to know where to plant a Choko after all the information on your site and other sites no where does it say if it is planted in sun, shade part shade etc.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Dec 10, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We've had lots of choko vines over the years, running along the fenceline in full sun.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Sep 10, m.evans (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Canberra and would love to grow a choko vine, can yougive me some clues
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jul 10, Gracie Camilleri (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Have a choko that has a shoot. Would like to know how to plant it. Shoot up? or do I bury the whole choko? Await your advise.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Sep 10, Kolwin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do not bury it whole...leave the shoot up. ensure the base of the shoot is touching some soil at least
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jul 10, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The info about planting is on the choko page. Click on the Vegetables and Herbs tab and then click on Choko .
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 261 - 267 of 267 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Choko/Chayote

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.