Start indoors or direct sow?

Start the fruit indoors in cooler US regions so the vine gets a head start, then transplant after frost danger has passed. In very warm areas with long summers, plant the sprouted fruit directly outside once soil is warm.

When to start Chayote seeds

Set a whole fruit to sprout about 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, keeping it indoors until warm weather is reliable. Plant outdoors 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost, when nights are consistently mild.

How to sow the seeds

Use a mature, uncut chayote fruit that has begun to sprout, and place it on its side in a deep 1 to 2 gallon pot of moist, well-drained potting mix. Leave the stem end and sprout exposed, or only lightly covered, and provide a stake or support as growth begins.

Germination

A whole fruit may sprout in roughly 2 to 4 weeks, though timing varies with fruit maturity and warmth. Keep the mix evenly moist, not wet, at about 70 to 85 F.

Seedling care

Give emerging vines very bright light or a strong grow light, and water when the surface of the mix begins to dry. Use a clean pot and well-drained mix to reduce damping off, and avoid leaving the fruit or roots in soggy soil.

Transplanting & hardening off

Harden plants off over 7 to 10 days, then transplant after frost risk has passed into full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Handle the root ball gently, plant at the same depth, water in well, and provide a sturdy trellis immediately.

Tips

Choose an unwaxed, mature fruit from a market or garden, since treated fruit may not sprout well. Give each plant plenty of space, often 8 to 10 feet, because the vine becomes large.

General seed-starting guidance for US home gardens; timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.