How to Grow Choho
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Choho
Sechium edule
vineChoho, also known as chayote or christophine, is a tropical perennial vine that produces pear-shaped, pale green edible fruits. Native to Mesoamerica, it's a vigorous climbing plant that can grow 10-15 feet or more in a single season. The entire plant—fruits, leaves, shoots, and tuberous roots—is edible and nutritious.
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Example Choho timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Choho
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Choho
Around Sep 14≈ 150 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Choho dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; grows as an annual in cooler zones with a long warm season
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Germination & Sprouting
3-4 weeksThe fruit develops a single sprout from the narrower end. Small white root emerges and first leaves unfold.
Plant in warm soil (70-80°F minimum). Keep consistently moist. Provide support structure or trellis. Speed sprouting by partially submerging fruit in water for 1-2 weeks before planting.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksVigorous vine growth with heart-shaped leaves and tendrils. Stems climb and spread rapidly along support structures. Leaves are alternate and lobed.
Train vine onto strong trellis, arbor, or fence. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Prune side shoots to direct growth. Maintain consistent moisture and mulch around base.
Flowering
4-6 weeksSmall, pale yellow-green flowers appear in clusters along the vine. Flowers are monoecious (both male and female on same plant).
Reduce nitrogen to encourage flowering; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Ensure adequate sunlight. Hand-pollinate if necessary by transferring pollen with a small brush.
Fruiting
6-8 weeksFruit develops after flowering, starting green and pear-shaped. Fruit size increases over 4-6 weeks to 4-8 inches long.
Support heavy fruit clusters with slings or netting to prevent vine damage. Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Monitor for pests.
Harvest
Ongoing through growing seasonFruits are mature when fully green and firm, or allowed to mature further if desired. Skin should be smooth and unblemished.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Cut fruit from vine rather than pulling. Store in cool place (50-60°F) for extended shelf life.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or sulfur if infestation is severe. Maintain humidity.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use row covers early; hand-pick; apply neem oil or spinosad. Plant trap crops like nasturtium.
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Wrap stem bases with foil; remove infested sections; inject BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) into affected stems.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Versatile cooking ingredient
CulinaryChoho fruits are mild, slightly sweet, and can be boiled, steamed, fried, or stewed. The texture is similar to zucchini or potato. Tender shoots and leaves are eaten as cooked greens throughout Latin America and Asia. [source]
Tuber crops
CulinaryThe tuberous roots (which can weigh up to 20 lbs) are starchy and nutritious, prepared like potatoes. They're a traditional food source throughout Central America. [source]
Cardiovascular and nutritional health
MedicinalChoho is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, with traditional use in treating high blood pressure and cholesterol. Modern research supports its diuretic and hypotensive properties. [source]
Natural skincare
HouseholdFruit extract and juice have been used traditionally in cosmetics and skincare preparations for its vitamin C content and skin-brightening properties. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe flowering vine attracts bees and other pollinators, providing valuable nectar during its bloom period. The vigorous foliage also offers habitat value. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting 150-180 days after planting when fruits are 4-8 inches long and uniformly green. Harvest regularly (every 3-5 days) to promote continued fruiting—mature fruits encourage the plant to stop producing. Cut fruit from the vine with pruning shears rather than pulling. In tropical regions, production can continue for several months or year-round. Young tender shoots and leaves can also be harvested and cooked as greens. Mature fruits store well in cool conditions (50-60°F) for 2-3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Choho is one of the most complete vegetables—the fruit, leaves, shoots, flowers, and tuberous roots are all edible and nutritious, providing year-round food from a single plant.
- 🌱 A single vine can produce 50-100+ fruits in a season, making it incredibly productive; in tropical climates with proper care, a mature plant can produce for 4-5+ years from the same root.
- 🌱 The Aztecs called it 'chayotl' and cultivated it long before Spanish contact; today it's a staple crop throughout Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Gardening Terms
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