How to grow Choko in Australia
Plant a whole sprouting choko in full sun in rich, free-draining soil with a strong fence or trellis to carry the vigorous vine. Water deeply and feed through the warm months.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 8 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 200 cm
- Time to harvest: 120 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to November | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to November | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to November | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | October and November | Frost-sensitive vine; sow Oct to Nov only. Dies in Melbourne winter. Treat as annual. |
| Adelaide & SA | September to November | |
| Perth & WA | September to November | |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. The vine needs a long frost-free season and winter kills the tuber. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not reliable in Canberra. Fruit forms in late autumn just as frosts arrive; the vine is usually killed before harvest. |
| North Queensland | September to November | Late dry/wet season Sep to Nov. Choko is tropical perennial vine; sow in early wet-season window. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to November | Late dry/wet season Sep to Nov. Choko is tropical perennial vine; sow in early wet-season window. |
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick while the fruit is small to medium, firm and pale green with tender skin. Cut from the vine and continue picking as new fruit keeps setting.
Storage
Cool dry place, up to 2 weeks. Fridge once cut.