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When to plant Chayote in Perry County, AR

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Chayote between April 2 (after last frost on March 26) and April 23.

When to Plant Chayote in Perry 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.

Perry County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 663 feet, Perry County receives approximately 51.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chayote during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chayote root diseases.

Perry County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chayote

Chayote needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chayote Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Perry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chayote Planting Timeline — Perry County, AR

Chayote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Oct 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Perry 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chayote in Perry County, AR?

Perry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Chayote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, AR?

Perry County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Chayote in Perry County, AR?

In Perry County, AR, plant Chayote after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, AR for Chayote?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Chayote grows reliably in zones 7a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chayote grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Chayote grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 9.

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Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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