MIRLITON.ORG

MIRLITON.ORG

How to plant Mirlitons in small containers for overwintering (chayote, “Sechium edule”)

Ervin Crawford Variety
Shoot emerged and is ready for planting.
This is a normal fungus growing on the endocarp in an imported mirliton. The fruit fungus can damage the inner seed by depriving it of water and nutrients which it draws from the fleshy fruit. When fungus appears, it is best to plant the seed in a container as soon as possible so that roots can develop and provide an alternative source of water and nutrients.
Shoot emerges from seed extruding from the apical cleft (wide end) of the fruit. The protrusions at the tip of the seed are immature roots
Properly planted mirliton sprout. Wait until fruit sprouts (imported mirlitons purchased from store will not grow in our climate, so obtain only Louisiana heirloom mirliton seed through www.mirliton.org). Once sprout is about three inches (or cut long sprout back to first node), plant sprouting end down in high-quality potting mix. Water well and leave 1/2 to 1/3 for fruit above ground to discourage fungus on fruit. Place indoors in room temperature until above ground sprout appears, then place in partial to full sun or a sunny window for the winter. Wire guard to protect from rodents. They normally won't eat the seed once the stem emerges. See more at www.mirliton.org
Wire guard over plant to prevent squirrels from eating seed. This can be taken off once sprout is about 12".