When to Plant Chayote in Rutherford 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.
Rutherford County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 3,872 feet, Rutherford County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chayote during the growing season.
Rutherford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chayote Planting Timeline — Rutherford County, TN
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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Rutherford County
Growing Tips for Rutherford 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
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Chayote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chayote in Rutherford County, TN?
Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, TN?
Rutherford County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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