Very prickly that you will need to handle with gloves.
Prickly chayote is small to medium in size, averaging 10-20 centimeters in length, and has a pear-like shape with deep linear indentations, folds, or puckers and many green-gold spines covering the surface. The number of spines will increase as the squash matures on the vine and the pale green rind is firm and is often discarded because of its tough nature. The creamy white flesh is crisp, and the central core contains one small, flat, edible, and light tan seed. Prickly chayote squash is crunchy and mild with a light, sweet flavor similar to a cucumber. In addition to the fruit, the leaves, shoots, flowers, and roots of the Prickly chayote are edible and utilized in culinary applications. Please note: in the later season, you may receive the seed chayote squash that is bruised or discolored. It is part of the natural cycle, the seed chayote squash will need to gradually decompose in order to provide nutrients for the seed to grow. If you receive a not so "presentable" looking seed or sprouted chayote in spring, it is perfectly normal. If you are looking for "flawless" seed chayote, please order early such as in October.
The fruit of chayote plants is cold sensitive but can be grown as far north as USDA growing zone 7 and will overwinter in zones 8 and warmer by cutting the vine back to ground level and heavily mulching. In its native climate, chayote bears fruit for several months, but here in SF Bay Area, it doesn't flower until the first week of September.
The Chayote squash starter in 1 gallon pot is ready for transplanting. We will pack in seal-able zip lock bag with moist organic matter for shipping. It is a perennial so will come back year after year. We harvested probably about 200 - 250 chayote squash this year (3rd year).
