What is chayote, and how is it grown?
It takes a special vegetable to stand up to the summer heat, humidity and rains. One of the best is the chayote, also known as the tropical squash, vegetable pear and mirliton. Starts can be obtained at grocery stores and produce stands. Set the fruit in a pot with the pointed end up and cover about halfway to get it growing. Then when the short, vining stems are produced, transplant the chayote to the garden or landscape. Allow the vines to climb a fence, a trellis or an arbor during the summer. Around September, the flower buds begin to form to produce the pearlike, green fruits. Chayote can be peeled and boiled or stuffed. They also can be pickled. One plant is usually enough to feed you and your neighbors.
