Sechium edule (Choko)

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Plant description

Choko is a spreading climber from the gourd family that bears edible pear shaped fruit. The fruit contains a single, nutty flavoured, very nutritious seed. A choko vine will grow rapidly in a warm spot, so it can be used to provide summer shade cover when grown on a pergola or similar. They are relatively pest free but can be susceptible to rot.

It has a growing period of 6 months and is most suited to tropical, sub-tropical and warm temerate zones, as it is frost tender. It needs a sunny position, and will grow in most soils, though it does need good drainage. It can be grown on the ground, but will scramble onto most supports, even trees and fences, and can grow tall and wide.

Chokos are not propagated from seed. They can be grown from soft tip cuttings, and also from a fruit that has sprouted. In spring, plant a sprouted fruit on a slight angle, with the narrow end protuding from the soil. It will need a treillis or fence for support. It needs around 4-5 months to bear fruit, and will bear during summer and autumn. Harvest fruit by cutting along the stalk. Tender shoots and leaves can be eaten in stir fries. The tubers of the plant can also be eaten like potatoes.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: not specified
Flowering season: spring summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 12 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: not specified
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.0-7.0

Diseases

Powdery mildew, fungal rots

Pests

Aphids, mites

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Spring.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser applied regularly through the growing season.

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