Chayote Squash

Anybody growing "Chayote" squash --?-- ...although I just found out that it's really NOT a squash. I love the subtle, crisp taste of chayote. Apparently you can't just save the (one) seed that's in each fruit. You have to save the fruit and let it create a 'shoot'.

ANYWAY....just interested if anyone has tried growing chayote.


http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1980-11-01/Growing-Chayote-Vegetable-Pear.aspx

http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2005/11/day-221-chayote-squash.html

I used to grow chayote and more friends grow them,they are very pricey at the oriental store.I have few recipes I can share fo when after you harvest if you decide to grow them. They are ery invasive and must grown to climb. Belle

Hey Bellieg --- what method did you use to get the "shoot" to appear..??.. I was thinking that I would just take one of the chayotes that I've bought at the store and put it in the pantry or something ?? From what I read it needs to be in a "cool, dark place" for the shoot to appear..??..
....

I buy chayote quite a bit --- would love to try your recipes.

Jann

Buy the ones that has shoots/sprouts and plant them now. The squirrels loves them that is why I stopped planting them There was 1 year i had over 400 fruits and made tons of chutney 50/50 mango and chayote. Good luck!!! I hope you have lots of room in your garden. Belle

I used to grow Chayote when I lived in South Florida, but can't remember how I got them started. I seem to remember having to cut an X in the bottom, but perhaps that was something else exotic! I'm inclined to try growing anything edible (giggle)

Tasted Chayote for the first time last year. Immediately fell in love with it. Told myself that I'm gonna grow it this year, if I can get them to sprout. It took many weeks but I have two sprouts to plant :)

there was a thread in Tropical gardening few months ago and in Australia they eat the seed as veggie so I tried it and it was good. Also DH just cut them in quarters and microwaves them and eats them with dressing. I might plant them this year but just one plant. Belle

This message was edited Apr 26, 2010 4:36 AM

Hi Ray_Der_Phan...

What did you do to get them to sprout..??.. ie; Did you keep them somewhere..??.. Leave 'em on the counter..??... What..??..

There are tons of them at Asian, Carribbean grocery stores as well as regular grocery stores already with sprouts. They are very invasive and just a warning to those who has limited space. Belle