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 15°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 100 cm 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

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08 May 20, Trevor McPherson (Australia - temperate climate)
Do choko have a white sap it grows rampant i treat is a weed.
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25 May 20, Tonyw (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like moth weed which is climbing pest
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11 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look on the internet to see if the leaves are the same. Or is it bearing fruit. Could be sweet potato?????
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26 Jan 20, Maureen Po (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having the same problem Growing well all new leaves are curling inwards. I have treated for mites but I haven’t seen anything on the leaves. Anyone have any advise?
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27 Jan 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
You could have a virus. Is the plant stunted?
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18 Nov 19, Marlene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Growers food markets are a good place to source chokos. Facebook also has localised growers sites. I've given many sprouted chokos away as there is only so many you can eat - they are so prolific. Have some at the moment if you live in the Clarence Valley.
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21 Oct 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you put me in touch with some Australian choko growers please.
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23 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Phone your state fruit and vegetable growing organisation.
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21 Oct 19, Carine (Australia - temperate climate)
I notice that someone asked the question of where you can source choko tubers, but there is no reply. I would be interested to know as I am looking for some tubers myself. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. With many thanks.
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22 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy from a shop then leave them sit in the cupboard or windowsill. Go to google and research how to grow choko.
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They're very high in fibre.

- Alexis

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