Sechium edule
Chayote
Common names: Stachelgurke, Christophine
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Chayote, botanically Sechium edule, is a vigorous climbing squash from Central America. It is grown outdoors only during the warm summer half‑year. The entire fruit produces a single sprout, which can be planted directly into fertile soil as a cutting rather than sowing seeds. The vines can reach several meters in length and require a sturdy trellis or fence for support. The wrinkled, pale‑green fruits are harvested in late summer to autumn, before any risk of early frosts.
Care instructions
Plant the Chayote after the last spring frosts, around mid‑May (week 20), in a sunny, wind‑protected spot with humus‑rich, well‑drained soil. Water regularly and generously, especially during dry periods, as the large leaves transpire heavily. Provide a tall, stable trellis early on so the plant does not overrun itself. Mulch around the roots to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Bring the fruits indoors before the first frost, as even light frost can damage the delicate plant and its harvest.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Heavy feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Rather not
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
You should avoid planting potato and cucumber together because they share disease pathogens such as leaf and brown rot and stand in each other's way as strong feeders.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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