Thorny Squash - Chayote - White with Thorns (Sechium edule)

Thorny Chayote Squash (Sechium edule) - Green Variety with Thorns

 In Italy, where it is highly prized and sought after, this plant is known by several names: Centenary Zucchini , Wolf's Tongue , Spiny Potato , Spiny Eggplant, and other local names. The White Chayote with thorns is a more domesticated variety than the wild one (green with thorns, but still less than the thornless variety). Hardy and productive, it stands out for its flavor: less vegetal than the others, more "potato-like," it is also tender, and the seed inside the fruit has an excellent flavor. It is the least known variety, but undoubtedly the most appreciated by chefs and the most sophisticated cuisines.
Cultivation is no different from the others, support is important, also good soil and avoid water stagnation, then you will have an amazing harvest.
If you want to reproduce the seeds, collect them before germination, which often occurs while the fruit is still on the plant.

 Native to Central and South America , where it grows as a perennial species (see cultivation section), Chayote stands out for its rapid growth and vigorous plant , ideal for covering pergolas or fences.

 Although it is not particularly widespread in Italy, especially on a commercial level, it is part of traditional culinary memory , especially in the South, where it is known and cooked in many different ways.

 From a botanical point of view, the plant owes part of its success to its particular characteristics: during the winter the aerial part dries up, but the root remains vital and in spring it sends out new shoots for many years. This is where the epithet " centenary " comes from. Furthermore, it is a very productive species and its fruits keep well during the winter .

 Seed conservation

 To preserve the seed it is necessary to keep the fruit whole .
The innermost part of the Chayote contains the embryo and the actual botanical seed of the plant, while the surrounding pulp represents a reserve of nutrients for the seed itself (a condition called viviparity ).
In practice, the entire fruit – internal and external – constitutes the seed in the horticultural sense of the plant.

 Cultivation and shipping

 Being a climbing plant, it requires adequate support to allow it to grow in height.
⚠️ Attention: due to the weight of the fruit/seed , shipping will only be via courier .

 ⚠️ Please note: the fruit is edible (produced by us, organic certification can be requested), however, it is grown in isolation to prevent hybridization, it is harvested before germination can occur on the plant, and treated with the same care as for seeds. Therefore, we recommend using it for sowing, especially since you can find Chayote for consumption on the market at lower prices (the seed is subject to a 10% VAT, while the consumption tax is 4%).

Chayote is a perennial plant. If temperatures don't drop below 10°C (50°F) for long periods (in southern Italy), it will survive the winter without losing its leaves. Where temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) without long periods of frost, the plant loses its aerial parts in winter, only to resume growth in spring when conditions are favorable again. Unfortunately, the long frosts of northern Italy prevent it from surviving the winter, but it can still be grown as an annual.
Sowing: You can sow the seedlings either in pots or directly in the ground, provided nighttime temperatures are consistently above 15°C and there's no risk of frost. Sow the whole fruit, covering it less than halfway. In the early stages of germination, the seedlings are very sensitive to waterlogging. If possible, sow them in pots and then transplant them when they reach about 40 cm in height. Pots also allow you to sow early without risk; if temperatures drop, you can shelter the seedlings.
Planting Space and cultivation: The plant is rustic, easy to grow, but its climbing habit must be considered and, in suitable conditions, it is exceptionally vigorous, reaching considerable dimensions, up to 10 meters: the support must be adequate, trying to avoid the fruit from bearing on the ground so as not to rot.
It doesn't require any particular soil conditions, but try to limit excess nitrogen. It's important to "keep vigour under control" to prevent it from affecting fruit production.
Watering: In the early stages of seedling emergence, keep the soil moist but do not overwater. As the plant develops, increase watering.
Adversities: it does not suffer from particular adversities except for aphids during flowering, when we should keep the ants that carry them at bay.
Harvest: Depending on temperatures, it typically begins in late summer and continues until late autumn. The plant is exceptionally productive. Store the fruit in a cool, dry place to avoid premature germination.
In the kitchen: Chayote allows for a wide variety of preparations, whether baked like a potato, stewed, or sautéed. Its flavor is vaguely reminiscent of zucchini, with a more "mushy" consistency.