What it is
Chayote (Sechium edule) is in the Cucurbitaceae (Gourd) family. Plant the whole sprouting fruit. A vigorous perennial vine in mild Texas zones that yields mild squash by the dozen.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 10 ft apart. Expect roughly 120–150. Tender perennial vine.
How it's used
Chayote is used: cooked like squash; raw in slaw.
🔎 How to identify it
- Big maple-like leaves
- Pale wrinkled pear-shaped fruit
- Climbs aggressively
Edibility
PartsFruit, shoots, root
UsesCooked like squash; raw in slaw
CautionMild; needs a long warm season.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.