When to Plant Chayote in Lauderdale County, TN
Chayote is a tropical vine producing pear-shaped, mild-flavored squash. The entire plant is edible including the fruit, shoots, leaves, and tuberous root.
Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 2,139 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chayote during the growing season.
Lauderdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chayote Planting Timeline — Lauderdale County, TN
Chayote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Oct 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| 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
218 days
Growing Tips for Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, TN?
Lauderdale County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Chayote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lauderdale County, TN?
Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lauderdale County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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