Chayote: an exotic vegetable for your garden
The chayotte in a nutshell:
Photo Oleg Magni on Pexels
Latin name: Sechium edule
Common names: Chayotte, christophine, chouchou
Family: Cucurbits
Guy: Deciduous perennial
Height: 2 to 5m
planting distance: 1m
Exposure: Sunny
Floor: rich in humus, loose
Plantation: February
Harvest : End of September, October
He squash It is a perennial climbing plant that can be eaten in all its parts and especially its pyriform fruits. Originally from Mexico, it was later introduced to many countries, such as the Antilles, where it is called «christophine«, or the Meeting, where it is called «chouchou«. Accustomed to hot climates, No is very rustic. However, it is quite possible to grow it in our regions by respecting some rules.
Chayote plantation
To grow chayote, certain conditions must be met:
a Sun exposure;in regions with harsh winters, you must be able to protect yourself from the coldThe soil must be rich in humus (rich in organic matter) and worked in depth.
As you can see, whether in a vegetable garden or in your own backyard, you will need to do some preparation before you think about planting a cristophine plant.
Soil preparation :
In order for your soil to be fertile enough and contain enough humus, you will need to make a amendment. To do this, you will need to:
Apply well-rotted manure or compost to the surface in the fall before planting. You can also add ash if you have it. Using a spade fork, turn the soil deeply to mix all the elements together. It is better to avoid using a shovel, in order to disturb subterranean fauna as little as possible, especially earthworms.The following spring, just before transplanting, lightly go over the soil.
planting :
The first stage of planting will take place in February. It consists of taking a large pot full of soil and place a whole fruit horizontally. It will have to be buried at two thirds of its height. Then place the pot in a space full of light and, above all, protected from cold and frost.
Christophine on earth:
Once a vigorous plant is obtained, it can be transplant to earth from May (preferably after the Ice Saints). Frost will no longer be a problem.
Once the plant has been replanted, remember to install a lattice tall and strong enough to support the mass of foliage and fruit to come.
Potted chayote:
Chayote growth conditions contraindicate it for planting in pots. However, if you have a veranda or a shelter protected from the cold (such as a greenhouse), it is conceivable to do so. However, you will need to get a pot or tub large enough big as to support roots and foliage.
cultivation and maintenance
The chayote does not require much maintenance. Sensitive to drought, however, it must be watered regularly and abundantly.
There is no need to trim the christophine. However, to densify the foliage at the beginning of growth, you can to pinch (cut) young plants- above 3 or 4 leaves.
A smart tip: Apply a thick mulch to the foot of your chayote. You will have the double advantage of limiting the loss of water through evaporation in summer and protecting the foot from frost in winter.
Diseases and pests:
Christophine is a resistant plant. It seems to be little susceptible to diseases and pests or parasites do not seem to attack it.
Collection and conservation of the cristófona
Chayote fruits appear late (September). Therefore, the harvest will takes place in October or even November if the weather conditions allow it.
Once collected, the fruit can be preserved for a long time. Stored in a cool place, they can be eaten several months after harvest.
The chayotte in the kitchen
Like the tuberous nasturtium, all parts of the nasturtium are edible:
the young spring shoots they are eaten like asparagus; young leaves can be cooked like vegetables (a bit like spinach); fruit It can be eaten raw (in salads) or cooked (simple, gratin, stuffed, etc.); tuberson the other hand, are prepared like potatoes.
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