How to grow Choko in New Zealand
Choko (Sechium edule), also called chayote, is a vigorous perennial vine that was once a fixture over backyard sheds and fences in the warm north and is making a comeback. One vine produces dozens of pale green, pear-shaped fruit through autumn, which can be eaten raw like cucumber when young or cooked when older. It needs a long, frost-free season and a very strong support.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Choko in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | October and November | |
| Auckland | October and November | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October and November | |
| Central North Island | Not suited | The frost free season is too short for a choko crop. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October and November | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October and November | |
| Canterbury | November | Marginal. Plant a sprouting fruit in November against a warm, sheltered wall. Frost kills the vine in autumn, so treat it as a summer crop. |
| Otago & Southland | Not suited | The frost free season is too short for a choko crop. |
| Central Otago | Not suited | The frost free season is too short for a choko crop. |
Where to plant
Plant choko in full sun or part shade in well-drained soil, next to a strong fence, trellis, pergola or shed it can climb. The vine grows fast and covers anything in reach, so give it plenty of room and a sturdy support. It needs a long, warm, frost-free season to crop well.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: plant a sprouting fruit in October or November. Where frosts are light or absent, the vine is perennial and is pruned back each winter.
- Canterbury: marginal. Plant in November against a warm, sheltered wall. Frost kills the vine in autumn, so treat it as a summer crop.
- Central North Island, Otago and Southland, and Central Otago: our calendar marks these as unsuitable, as the frost-free season is too short for a crop.
How to plant
- Buy a mature choko, or use one from a friend's vine, and leave it in a warm, light spot until a shoot appears from the broad end.
- Dig compost into a spot at the foot of a strong support.
- Plant the whole sprouting fruit on its side, about half buried, with the shoot pointing up.
- Water in well and keep the soil moist while the vine establishes, then mulch, keeping mulch away from the base.
- Guide the young shoots onto the support.
Watering and feeding
Water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather, especially once the vine is flowering and fruiting. Mulch to hold moisture. A side dressing of compost or general fertiliser in spring helps a strong start.
Pruning and care through the year
- Chokos are self-pollinating, so one vine is enough for an abundant crop.
- In frost-free gardens, cut the vine back each winter, leaving two to four young shoots to carry the next season's crop.
- Keep the vine in check so it does not smother nearby plants, trees or guttering.
Harvesting
Pick fruit young and tender, at about 5 to 15 cm long, while the skin is still soft. A single vine sets dozens of fruit, so pick regularly through autumn before the frosts arrive.
Chokos keep up to two weeks in a cool, dry place. Once cut, keep them in the fridge.
Using it
Young chokos can be sliced raw into salads like cucumber. Older fruit is peeled and steamed, stir-fried, added to curries and soups, or used in chutney and pickles.
Varieties
- Green Choko
Pests and diseases
Chokos are tough, but mildew is common late in the season.
Pests to watch for
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White or grey spots on leaves that spread over the whole leaf.
- Downy mildew Pale, pitted spots or blotches on leaves, sometimes with downy mould underneath.
Common questions
How do I plant a choko?
Let a mature choko sprout in a warm, light spot, then plant the whole fruit on its side, about half buried with the shoot pointing up, at the foot of a strong support.
When do I plant choko in New Zealand?
In October or November, once frosts are over. It needs a long, frost-free season, so it suits the North Island and Nelson; Canterbury is marginal, and the colder south is unsuitable.
Do I need two choko vines?
No. Chokos are self-pollinating, so one vine gives plenty of fruit.
When should I pick chokos?
Young and tender, at about 5 to 15 cm long, while the skin is soft. Pick regularly through autumn.
Will my choko vine come back next year?
In frost-free or light-frost gardens, yes; it is a perennial vine. Prune it each winter, leaving two to four young shoots to carry the next crop.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow choko; Yates NZ: Common problems of choko.