Sechium edule Seeds | Chayote Christophene Pear Mirliton Christophine
LATIN NAME: Sechium edule
COMMON NAME: Chayote
Plant Profile
Chayote (Sechium edule) is a vigorous, climbing, perennial in the gourd family. Chayote climbs trellis with broad, lobed leaves and pear-shaped, ribbed fruits, and small, pale flowers open among the leaves. It is a vine of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist ground. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the gourd family, Sechium edule contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Chayote brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Chayote is a fine, generous vine of warm garden and the trellis. It is a fine, generous vine of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist garden. Give young vines trellis and warm, sunny spot, and pear-shaped fruits will come in the first warm season. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Chayote is a tender, folate-rich squash eaten from Mexico to Asia, fruit, shoot, seed and root all edible; the vine is generous and the storage long.
Growing from Seed
Raising Chayote from seed is straightforward. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Being a vigorous, climbing, perennial, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Chayote earns its space through character rather than fuss. Moisture matters most while plants are young; established plants cope with far more.
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