How to Grow Chayote? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods

SummaryPlanting time: generally carry out open-field planting from April to May, or greenhouse planting in March. Land selection and sowing: choose sandy soil, deep plow and then fertilize, then dig holes and place the already sprouted chayote into them, cover with soil and water. Fertilizing: apply urea during the growing period, farmyard manure and foliar fertilizer during the flowering period, and boron fertilizer during the fruiting period. Watering: the water requirement is high, and the soil must be kept moist during the growing period. Management: remove fruits that are growing too densely or growing poorly, and set up a trellis when the plant grows to 40cm.

I. What varieties of chayote are there

Chayote varieties can be divided into two types by color: the white-skinned type and the green-skinned type.

1. White-skinned chayote: the white-skinned type has a relatively smooth surface with no spines and higher quality; its growth rate is slower, its fruiting rate is relatively high, and its planting range is relatively wide. For example, it can be grown in places such as Sichuan, Guizhou, Xiangjiang and Yunnan.

2. Green-skinned chayote: the green-skinned type is lower in quality and its taste is somewhat mild; its growth rate is relatively fast, its fruiting rate is relatively high and the fruits are large. It is relatively popular on the market, and it is grown in some areas.

II. Chayote planting time

Chayote is generally planted in the open field from April to May, and greenhouse planting is carried out around March. The suitable planting time can be chosen according to the local climate.

III. Chayote planting methods

1. Land selection

Chayote has relatively poor resistance and is suitable for growing in sandy soil with sufficient light, good drainage and good permeability. Therefore, when planting, it should be planted in sandy soil with good irrigation and drainage conditions and sufficient sunlight.

2. Sowing

(1) Land preparation and sowing: before sowing chayote, the soil needs to be deep plowed. In order to improve soil fertility, apply an appropriate amount of farmyard manure at the same time, plow it, and let it mix evenly with the soil. When deep plowing, a small ditch can be dug to facilitate later irrigation and drainage.

(2) Sowing method: place the already sprouted chayote into the soil hole, then cover it with a layer of soil, and water appropriately at the same time.

3. Reasonable fertilizing

Chayote only needs to be fertilized three times during its growth process. During the growing period, mainly apply urea; during the flowering period, mainly apply farmyard manure and foliar fertilizer; during the fruiting period, apply boron fertilizer. Be sure to fertilize reasonably according to the different periods.

4. Water

Chayote has a relatively large demand for water during the growing period, especially during the high-temperature period in summer. In order for the plant to grow normally, the soil must be kept moist, to avoid water evaporating too quickly and causing the vines and stems to stop growing.

5. Proper pruning

During the growth period, chayote is prone to dense fruiting, which leads to imbalanced nutrients. Fruits that are growing relatively densely or growing poorly should be removed. This helps promote the growth and development of the fruits and thereby increases yield.

6. Managing branches and leaves

Chayote is a vine plant. When it grows to 40cm, a tripod can be used to secure it so that it can climb and grow, thereby reducing the incidence of pests and diseases and increasing its yield.