Chayote

How to sow chayote: Direct seed whole fruit outdoors

Sun requirement for chayote: Plant in Full Sun

Chayote is a tender perennial in the Cucurbitaceae family grown for its edible gourds, roots, stems, and leaves. Unlike other cucurbits like squash, cucumbers, and melons, Chayote's small gourds have a single, large, flattened seed or pit. Some varieties have spiny fruits. Chayote is native to Mesoamerica and thrives in a subtropical to tropical climate, although it can be grown in other regions in containers. It needs 120-150 frost-free days to reach harvest. Like cucumbers, it has a sprawling growth pattern and benefits from trellising - fruit will rot if it sits on the soil. It's pale green fruit can be 10-20cm long and resembles a flattened, wrinkled pear. It's green to white flesh has a mild taste like a cross between a potato and a cucumber. It is usually lightly cooked like summer squash. The tubers are starchy and eaten like potatoes. The shoots and heart-shaped leaves can be added to salads and stir-fries.