How to Grow Choko in Australia
A warm-season fruiting crop for the home garden
Growing your own Choko is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, extraordinarily productive vine, one plant feeds a neighbourhood.
This guide covers when to plant Choko in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Choko is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October and November. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Choko full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It needs an open garden bed rather than a pot, getting too big or deep-rooted for containers.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 5 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 200 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 22 and 32 degrees.
Plant the whole fruit on its side, partially buried. One plant produces hundreds of fruit. Grows over anything, needs a very strong trellis. SEQ backyard classic.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 8 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Powdery mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Choko is typically ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months). Cool dry place, up to 2 weeks. Fridge once cut.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, choko is good boiled or steamed as a side vegetable, added to curries and soups, stir-fried with garlic and used in pickles and relishes. Nutritionally: very low calorie, high in water and contains minerals and fibre.
Track Your Choko Growing
Add choko to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Choko in Australia?
Choko is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October and November. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Choko take to grow?
Choko is generally ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months).
Can I grow Choko in a pot?
It is best grown in an open garden bed rather than a pot, needing more root room than a container gives.
How much sun does Choko need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Choko in the Plant Library
