Blog

When to Plant Chayote in Greene County, AR

Chayote is a tropical vine producing pear-shaped, mild-flavored squash. The entire plant is edible including the fruit, shoots, leaves, and tuberous root.

Greene County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 441 feet, Greene County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Chayote during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chayote root diseases.

Greene County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Greene County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Oct 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 12

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Chayote needs ~2,850 GDD — county provides 4,180 GDD Excellent fit

Chayote Planting Timeline โ€” Greene County, AR

Chayote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ Apr 24
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 24
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 โ€“ Oct 23

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Greene County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chayote in Greene County, AR?

Greene County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Chayote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greene County, AR?

Greene County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greene County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Greene County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.