Chayote Planting Guide
Chayote is a tropical vine producing pear-shaped, mild-flavored squash. The entire plant is edible including the fruit, shoots, leaves, and tuberous root.
Sechium edule · Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family · 120–180 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Chayote Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Chayote?
Chayote Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Chayote planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Oct 21 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 28 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Aug 5 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Jul 26 – Oct 4 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Jun 23 – Sep 1 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Jun 7 – Aug 16 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 |
How to Plant Chayote
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 7a – 11b
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Cucurbitaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Cucurbitaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Chayote to Grow
Chayote takes 120–180 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Chayote
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Chayote
Plant the whole fruit at a 45-degree angle with the stem end exposed. Provide a very sturdy trellis. One vine can produce 60-80 fruits. Harvest when fruits are young and tender.
Saving Chayote Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Chayote by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Chayote?
Chayote (Sechium edule) takes 120 to 180 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Chayote grow in?
Chayote can be grown in USDA zones 7a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Chayote need?
Growing Chayote requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.