Chayote thrives in its native environment and in the warm, humid climate of southern China, where its underground roots survive the winter and regrow as vines in the following spring. This perennial plant can produce flowers and fruits for over three years. However, in northern regions, it typically behaves as an annual. Cultivating chayote in open fields in the north is feasible, provided the temperature remains between 20–30°C during the seedling and growth stages. The plant has a high demand for water and nutrients, prefers moist but well-drained soil, and is not tolerant of waterlogging. Its extensive root system allows it to adapt well to various soils, though fertile, deep, and well-drained sandy loam is ideal for optimal root development.
In the northern regions, chayote is usually planted in early spring after the last frost. Flowers appear when the weather warms up, and fruiting occurs before or after the White Dew festival, with harvest taking place before heavy frosts set in. The vines are highly branched and spread rapidly, producing numerous offspring. As long as water is sufficient, the plants will continue to grow leaves and bear fruit without much difficulty.
To successfully cultivate chayote in the north, the following techniques are recommended:
1. **Winter Nest Preparation**: Dig three 60-square-meter nests, each 1 meter wide. In the lower 70 cm layer, add 50 kg of human urine or composted manure, or 1 kg of compound fertilizer, mix thoroughly, and let it decompose. Cover the upper layer with 30 cm of sand or forest soil, and leave it ready for planting the next year.
2. **Seedling Raising**:
- **Germination Methods**: Use a sweet potato kiln (with temperatures around 8–10°C), a vegetable greenhouse (15–30°C), or a heated room (15–25°C) to germinate seeds. Transplant seedlings into greenhouses in mid-January and plant them directly in October.
- **Intensive Embryonic Nursery**: Once the embryos develop roots and shoots, carefully remove them from the melon using sterile tools and transplant them into small pots or nutrient-rich soil.
- **Cluster Bud Propagation**: Chayote produces multiple cluster buds, which can be cut and used for propagation when they reach about 10 cm in length during April and May.
3. **Scaffold Setup**: Install flat or arch-shaped trellises 2.5–3 meters tall. Alternatively, use existing structures like grapevines or apple trees for support. Connect bamboo or walls naturally. Keep the main vines to two per plant to encourage branching and increase yield.
4. **Water and Fertilizer Management**: Water daily around the roots to keep the soil moist. Avoid using melon-based fertilizers during the seedling stage to prevent burning. When the main vine reaches 1 meter, apply a small amount of compost or chemical fertilizer 30 cm away from the base. During hot summer days, irrigate every 10 days and spray leaves to cool and nourish the plants. In autumn, spray leaves once every 10 days.
5. **Timely Harvest and Storage**: Harvest small melons 15 days after flowering. Handle them gently and store them at around 5°C to avoid freezing. With proper storage, chayote harvested in September and October can last 7–8 months.
6. **Selecting Quality Melons**: Choose melons from the third or fourth harvest. They should have clear sutures, a yellow and green color, and be free from early sprouting before winter. Ensure they remain cool to prevent premature growth.
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