Chayote Squash

What is the secret to growing this squash? I am successful at getting it to sprout on a shelf, but as soon as i plant it, it dies. I have sprouted 5 and every one has died.

Carol

I'd suggest starting it outside and just letting it go. Merliton seems to thrive in hot weather. They might have a problem with being disturbed. You certainly have enough HEAT in Florida, so it has to be something else. Also, I hear they have an extremely long growing pattern before they produce any fruits, AND you need to have a male and a female plant for reproduction. Google Merliton, Chayote Squash, or research the plant files here. There was an entire thread at one time, discussing merliton. I love it. I'm from New Orleans, and one day I'm gonna grow my own here. They are expensive in our stores!

Good luck!

Linda

Oh, this just $#@&$! I think I have all the squashes covered, and y'all have to remind me of this. grumblegrumble. Now I need to find seeds. grumblegrumblegrumble......

Okay, well, I just learned a lot. Like, Ya have to plant the whole chayote, not just the seed. Here's an article that explains it very well....

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1980-11-01/Grow-Chayote.aspx

So, unless I can find it in the store (probably not in this town *g*), I'm outta luck. Might be successful at the local swap meet, there are vendors who carry tropical fruits. A new challenge!

Thanks, I think.....

Well, i started a new one, i just put in in a pot with the tip sticking out and am checking it daily.Catmad, you should check Walmart or a more upscale grocery that carries exotic stuff. They are plentiful around here and are only about $1 ea. If you cant find any i can send you some.

Carol

Thanks Carol. WalMart is a great idea, I even found key limes there. We don't get there often, so I keep a running list, and will add it....This is why I love DG. My mind is gone, so I borrow other people's......

Catmad, if you have a grocery that caters to Mexican or South American immigrants, you'll for certain find chayote there. Probably in a Chinese market, too.

Okay, confession time. I did find a chayote, in a nice little plastic bag, and promptly lost it. Well, I found it this morning, and it's growing (which only confirms my opinion that anything i ignore has a much better chance of success), so what do I do now??
The roots and stems are coming out of the same scar, so do I plant so the shoots are underground, too" Can't see any other way to do it. Do I put it back where I found it untill it really warms up outside, or start it hardening off with my 'Maters? They are going out during the day (56-77), but in at night (40-56)?
Thanks!

I am from La and have always eaten mirlitons but never tried to grow any. They are great pickled with different kinds of peppers and cucumbers. I think I will try to grow one when you guys let me know how. LOL I'll be watching this thread closely to find out which end is up on a mirliton.

update....i planted in a pot in feb and forgot about it. This is what i found growing alive and well in back of the greenhouse

Which end did you plant up, the narrow end or the fat end?

plant in a pot with the fat end with the crack exposed to air....you may be able to see the top in the pic

So, if I just bury it up to the top, the roots will find their way down over the edge? Okay, I'll try it....
Thanks!

Makes a long vine, rather like melons. Most Caribbean growers let it sprawl on the ground, but I knew one fellow who grew his head-high on a trellis for easier picking.

I keep planting them then moving away, humm. I'm more stable for the next whole year, maybe. I'll have to put one in the ground. Left in a warm place, windowsill, they'll start to sprout. I plant mine on edge, so the split is half buried, and the sprout up, and the root, umm, down.