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When to Plant Chayote in Williamson 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.

Williamson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,865 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chayote during the growing season.

Williamson County, TN (Zone 7b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Williamson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

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 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Chayote Planting Timeline — Williamson County, TN

Chayote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest August 28 Aug 28 – Nov 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Williamson County

Growing Tips for Williamson 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 Williamson County, TN?

Williamson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Chayote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Williamson County, TN?

Williamson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 24.

🌱

Your Williamson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Williamson County (Zone 7b). 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 Williamson County, TN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.