How to Grow and Care for Chayote In Your Garden

Are you interested in the yummy taste of chayote? This vegetable like a bright green pear offers a unique flavor that’s a cross between a cucumber and an apple.

But did you know that chayote isn’t just about its fruit? Every part of this plant is edible.

To harvest chayote, you need to invest your time but the final result is great. Ready to pursue this exciting journey? Keep reading to explore how to grow and care for chayote.

 

What is Chayote?

Chayote (Sechium edule), also known as sayote, is a beloved vegetable in the Philippines. It is a part of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae.

Its fast-growing vine produces a pear-shaped fruit with a green or white skin, giving a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The plant gets large and heart-shaped leaves making a lush appearance.

Although it produces small, non-showy flowers, they play a crucial role in fruit production. Chayote can reach lengths of up to 50 feet, with fruits weighing up to 1.2 kg.

This plant is easy to grow and live in regions with temperatures ranging from 55-70°F and annual precipitation of 1500–2000 mm.

 

Benefits of Chayote

Chayote is rich in nutrition. 203 g of chayote squash provides fiber (4 g), carbs (9 g), protein (2 g), vitamin C (26%), vitamin B9 (47%), vitamin K (10%),…

According to a survey of chayote calories compared to apple, melon, papaya,… chayote is in the top 3% of foods low in calories.

Chayote is grown for its fruit and shoots. Its fruit is used for making wines, pies, kimchi, pickles, and candies, while its vines are often crafted into bags and hats (Bermejo and Leon, 1994).

Chayote is also good for human health. Due to its low content of calories and fiber, the fruits support weight loss efforts.

Its leaves are useful for dissolving kidney stones and assist in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hypertension (Bermejo & León, 1994).

Chayote is widely used in cosmetics, including moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving creams, deodorants, and shampoos.

In 2008, Metral et al developed methods to extract chayote fruit for skincare products and cosmetics, noting its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles and protecting skin cells from UV damage.

Besides, this plant is proven to treat: anti-inflammatory properties, diabetics, digestive health, heart health,…

 

Propagation

Chayote has a unique propagation method because the entire mature fruit is planted.

The fruit is placed at a 45-degree angle with the shoot downward. The narrow stem-end base is slightly released from the soil line.

Plants should be spaced 7-11 feet apart. It’s better to use a trellis around 6 feet tall to support the growing vines.

When propagating, you should choose green fruit color, non-spiny, short internode vines, and adaptability to various temperatures and soil levels.

Good seeds include fully matured fruits with hard peels. Immature fruits may result in shorter plant lifespans and lower yields.

 

How to Grow and Care for Chayote

How to Grow Chayote

1. Preparation

Planting Site

Choose a spot in your garden with lots of space for those vines to stretch out.

If you’re in a super-hot area, give your chayote some shade in the afternoon.

 

Time

The best time to grow chayote is after the last frost* (about 3 to 4 weeks) and your soil hits at least 65°F.

*The last frost date refers to the average final spring frost in your growing location.*

Chayote Seeds

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

Trellis

It will be better if you prepare a trellis in the garden for the climbing nature of chayote. Consider making a DIY flat trellis.

2. How to Grow Chayote

First, dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the whole squash with the wide side down, at a 45-degree angle to the soil line.

Carefully backfill the hole to cover the squash. Remember not to bury it too deeply to prevent rot.

Space individual chayote squash at least 10 feet apart. This spacing allows the vines to thrive and produce many squash.

Tips: You can boost chayote productivity by planting it together with pumpkins, peppers, and squash.

 

How to Care for Chayote

Soil and Water

Ensure plants are grown in nutrient-rich and well-draining soil. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is best. If possible, add compost to the soil.

Avoid overwatering as chayote can be rotted in moist conditions. However, providing hydration after the initial planting in 14 days is important.

Light

Provide chayote plants with full sun with 6 to 8 hours of bright light daily. If your planting spot is in partial shade, the production can be reduced.

Temperature and Humidity

Chayote lives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires about 30 frost-free days after flowering to produce fruit.

While in Zone 8, chayote can be overwintered by pruning the vines and mulching heavily, in Zone 7, it can be grown as an annual if planted early.

Fertilizer

Chayote squash requires minimal fertilizer, as excessive nitrogen can hinder fruit production. Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer every 6 to 7 weeks to encourage growth and a bountiful harvest.

 

Common Problems

Squash Vine Borer

Squash vine borers can also be troublesome, causing chayote to die. You can prevent them with trap crops and row covers.

Aphids

Aphids interrupt leaf growth and leave sticky deposits.

Spraying water or using organic soap or neem oil spray to remove this pest.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew creates a white film on chayote leaves.

You can water at the soil level and only in the morning to prevent this.

 

Harvest

Harvest chayote squash in late summer to early fall.

The best time to harvest fruits is when they’re bright green and measure 4 to 6 inches long, with soft skin akin to a bell pepper.

Avoid leaving them on the vine too long. At that time they may develop hard skin or wrinkles, diminishing their taste.

 

Preservation

Dried Chayote

An article published by the Canadian Center of Science and Education showed that methods for drying chayote improve the shelf life of chayote to at least 3 months.

This method boosts good health and increases the intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and zinc.

Soak the chayote in tap water for 40 minutes to rehydrate. Then, fry it with onions, tomatoes, and salt for 30 minutes.

Freezing Chayote

Select chayote with uniform color, firm texture, and no blemishes.

Store them at 50 to 60°F to prevent chilling injury, ensuring humidity at 90% in a closed container or plastic bag.

Keep chayote in the refrigerator for up to a month. Check weekly for any signs of shriveling or browning.

 

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