The chayote , a aboriginal veg of Mexico and South America , is an easy harvest to grow in emplacement with a 150 - day or longer rime - free mature time of year . This creamy blank to intermediate light-green Pyrus communis - shaped veg , a relative of summer squash , grows on vigorous vines that can shoot out to 30 foot long . This fun to mature plant life can acquire 50 or more chayotes per flora in a season .
A Vegetable of Many Names
In scientific discipline text , the chayote is have sex by the scientific name ofSechium edule . North American garden record book often call it the “ vegetable pear ” . South Louisiana native and Caribbeans know it as the mirliton . Pipinella is the name Italians choose to call chayotes . Hawaiians refer to it as pipinola .
Characteristics of Chayote
Most chayotes are 1/2 to 1 pound when mature ; although , they can weigh 5 pounds each . The best yield has fluent , edible ( when falsify ) outer skin . Other eatable parts are the leafy tips of the tendrils , base , and seed .
The steady inner flesh of a chayote can be compared to a dense cuke . The elusive preference blends well with numerous foods , herb , and spices . Here are some ways to enjoy chayote :
Where Chayote Can Be Grown
To the rosy gardener that has 150 or more frost - free days , it is worthwhile to try growing chayote . This perennial vegetable can be planted as far north as USDA Hardiness Zone 7 . Chayote vines will produce on almost any social organization : therefore , prepare a treillage or fence for the vines that will attractively spread make an ivy - like wall of green .
Preparing the Soil
A 4 - invertebrate foot square hill ( mound ) is all that is needed to plant one chayote works . tot up about 20 pounds of aged manure to the James Jerome Hill , conflate to a deepness of 2 - 3 foot . Chayote plants are susceptible to root rot . Help keep this by amend grievous clay soils with constitutional compost .
How to Start Chayote Plants
Starting chayote plants is not as simple as buying seed in a garden essence and planting . The seed can not be purchase in packages ; however , some mail - order companies offer plants . leverage chayotes in the produce department , then grow your own plant from the seminal fluid within the yield .
Sprouting the Seed
Chayote , a perennial , only has to be planted once , giving the gardener many rich years of fertile harvest . When planting for the first clock time , in the fall buy a few large chayotes from the green goods market . Store them in a dismal , cool locating . The seeded player will sprout from the bottom of the chayote and begin to produce a vine .
The vine , aliment by the chayote fruit itself , will carry on to acquire without added water . The entire yield should be found in the inclined outside locating after all risk of frost is run short . If the vine spring up much more than 6 inches while waiting for frost - free days , the entire vining fruit should be temporarily planted in stack in these steps :
Planting
Begin planting by hollow a shallow hole ( larger muddle for gallon transplants ) . direct entire fruit ( or transplantation ) in the hole exit the sprout above the dirt . Cover the entire fruit with stain . Water soundly .
Growing Needs of Chayote
A warm structure or treillage is a must for growing this prolific veggie . In all but the first growing season vine can farm 30 or more feet longsighted . Chayote is not picky what it grows on : even a dead Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can do as a treillage .
recondite weekly tearing is essential to the developing yield and lush vines . Fish emulsion or another organic fertiliser should be applied every two to three weeks during the grow season .
Chayote might be a unique full cousin to squeeze , but it can still be plagued with some of the samepests . Use insecticidal Georgia home boy or neem oil to ensure the pestilence . roundworm can also damage the vine within two to three years . apply 2 - 3 inches of pasteurised moo-cow manure in the spring and in the summer can understate damage .
When to Harvest
Chayote is harvest in the fall . Fruit is edible at any sizing , but the good time for pick is when they are small before they begin to split and develop on the vine .
