Growing Choko/Chayote, also Chayote squash, christophene, chouchou, mirliton

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25 May 17 Daisy Ann Cumming (Australia - temperate climate)
What's the time to plant chocos?
25 May 17 John (Australia - temperate climate)
Chokos are frost-tender perennials. To establish a choko plant choose or buy a couple of good sized, smooth skinned chokos and leave them on a bench until they begin to sprout. Stem and leaves will come first and roots will grow some time later. If you are still having frosts you then plant it in a pot so that the fruit is covered and the new growth is just below the soil level. Plant it outside after the likelihood of frosts is past. Chokos are strong growers and can cover a big area in a good season so plant it where it will have plenty of room to grow. In cooler areas the plant will die back in the winter but re-sprout from the perennial root in the spring.
09 Apr 21 Doné (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I only got hold of 2 sprouting chokos in early March and put them straight in the ground, knowing it may be a little late. They seem to be flourishing now, though. We live in a frost-free area where winter day temps are 15-20°C and the lowest possible night temps could reach around 3°C, but more commonly 5-7°C. I do heavy mulching everywhere anyway, so do you think it'll continue growing this winter, or will it die back / should it be cut back?
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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.
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