When to Plant Chayote in Nantucket County, MA
Chayote is a tropical vine producing pear-shaped, mild-flavored squash. The entire plant is edible including the fruit, shoots, leaves, and tuberous root.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 632 feet, Nantucket County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chayote during the growing season.
Nantucket County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Chayote Planting Timeline — Nantucket County, MA
Chayote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | August 30 | Aug 30 – Nov 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
206 days
Growing Tips for Nantucket 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
Level Up Your Garden
Chayote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chayote in Nantucket County, MA?
Nantucket County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Chayote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nantucket County, MA?
Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nantucket County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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