How to Grow Chayote in a Home Garden

Grow chayotes in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Do not grow them in soil that is prone to being waterlogged as chayote vines are vulnerable to rot.

Plant chayote vines by sowing whole chayote fruit on a mound one foot high and three feet across. Mix in up to 2 tablespoons of balanced fertilizer per plant prior to planting. Place the fruit on its side with the stem end pointing slightly upward and protruding slightly above the surface. Leave at least 8 feet between plants.

Provide each vine with a trellis or other form of support such as a fence or even a tree. A T-shaped trellis covered by chicken wire with a 4-inch mesh is the support recommended by Louisiana State University's vegetables, home gardens and turf specialist Dr. Tom Koske.

Fertilize chayote vines every two months with one tablespoon of ammonium nitrate per plant. Water them as soon as the surface of the soil starts to dry out. A layer of organic mulch at least 3 inches thick helps to protect the shallow roots from drying out.

Harvest chayote fruit between 25 and 30 days after flowering. Each vine can yield 100 pieces of fruit weighing a pound each.

Protect your chayote vine during the winter by cutting it back to ground level and mulching with 6 inches of organic matter. In frost-free areas, cut the vines back to a length of around 6 feet to encourage strong growth in the spring. Preserve chayote fruit for spring planting by allowing the fruit to mature on the vine until its skin turns hard. Store at between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit and plant during the spring.