Pruning and Recovery
Over the past two years, therefore, we heavily pruned and uprooted much of the chayote. As a result, we protected the ground cover from vigorous vines that had smothered it. However, in the process, we lost the delicate yellow chayote plants. Nevertheless, one germinating seed survived, matured, and produced more seed.
Fast Winter Fruiting
Meanwhile, green chayote left over from sales sprouted at the year’s start. Consequently, it is now bearing fruit in winter. In our garden, even now, green and yellow chayote develop from flower to harvestable fruit quickly. Indeed, they do so in less than a month. Therefore, chayote remains one of the fastest-developing cucurbit fruits we grow.
Harvest, Seeds and Pollinators
Although chayote is tropical, it continues growing through our mild winter. Moreover, it still provides edible leaves and fruit for harvest. Meanwhile, mature fruits are either germinating for planting now or being stored until summer. In addition, its blossoms continue drawing bees and other pollinators. Overall, therefore, the chayote vine offers beauty, nourishment, and ecosystem support in winter.
#LoveHomeGrown
Chayote Blossoms
Chayote Leaves
Chayote Squash
Chayote Seeds
