Chayote.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Media

Tipo de planta

Perennial vine

Luz

Full sun

Luz en interior

Sol directo

Riego

Cada 2 a 4 días

Tamaño adulto

10 to 20 feet

Ritmo de crecimiento

Rápido

Rusticidad

USDA 8 a 11

Floración

Late summer to autumn

Cuidados

Provide a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb as it grows very quickly. Keep the soil consistently moist and watch for wilting during the hottest part of the day. Ensure the plant is protected from frost as it is very sensitive to cold temperatures.

Riego

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to support rapid fruit production.

Abonado

Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the active growing season to encourage healthy vine growth.

Poda

Trim back excessive growth to keep the vine manageable and improve airflow.

Trasplante

If growing in a container, move to a larger pot once the roots become crowded.

Suelo

Rich, well draining soil

pH del suelo

6.0 to 7.0

Temperatura

10 a 35°C

Humedad

60 a 90%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Baja

Longevidad

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Moderada

Seguridad

Personas

The plant is generally non-toxic, though the sap may cause temporary skin irritation or numbness.

Niños

The large, heavy fruits can be a falling hazard if grown on overhead trellises.

Alérgenos por contacto

The sap contains compounds that can cause temporary skin numbness or irritation upon contact.

Alérgenos en el aire

There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.

Comestibilidad

The fruit is edible, but the sap can cause skin numbness if handled in large quantities.

Cómo identificarla

• Pear shaped light green fruit
• Large heart shaped lobed leaves
• Vigorous climbing tendrils
• Small white or cream flowers

Altura

3 a 12m

Anchura

2 a 6m

Hojas

green, deciduous

Flores

white, green, 0,5 a 1,5cm

Frutos

green, white, Autumn to winter

Problemas frecuentes

• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck sap.
• Powdery mildew — A fungal infection causing white dusty spots on leaves.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

seed

Cuándo plantar

Spring

Cuidados en invierno

In cooler areas, mulch the base heavily after the foliage dies back to protect the roots from frost. In areas with hard freezes, the plant is typically grown as an annual.

En maceta

It requires a very large container of at least 40 liters to accommodate its vigorous root system.

Plant near tall, sturdy crops that can act as a natural trellis for the heavy vines.

Buenas compañeras

• Maíz — Corn provides a sturdy structure for the vine to climb.
• Judía común — Beans fix nitrogen in the soil which helps the vine grow.

Especies parecidas

• pepino — Both are members of the same family with similar growth habits.

Ciencia

Familia

Cucurbitaceae

Género

Sechium

Orden

Cucurbitales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Central and South America

Conservación

This species is widely cultivated and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, humid climates and naturally climbs over other vegetation to reach sunlight.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source

Polinizadores

abejas, mariposas

Usos

culinary vegetable, ornamental vine, ground cover

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How do I plant a chayote?

Simply bury the entire fruit halfway into the soil with the sprout end angled upward.

Does it need a trellis?

Yes, it is a climbing vine that performs best with strong support.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Sechium comes from the Greek word for gourd, while edule means edible. Chayote is derived from the Nahuatl word chayotli.

Bueno saberlo

• Chayote is a member of the gourd family.
• The roots are also edible and sometimes harvested like potatoes.
• It is a vigorous climber that can cover fences quickly.
• The fruit is often used in soups and stir fries.