Description of the Mexican cucumber, cultivation technology and yield

The Mexican cucumber, a plant rich in beneficial properties, has long been used in countries and regions of Russia with warm, subtropical climates. However, many market shoppers are surprised by this vegetable.

Peculiarities

Some people think chayote grows only in Mexico, but it can be found growing outdoors in the subtropics of the Caucasus, Crimea, and the Krasnodar region. Catalogs in the cucurbitaceae section list chayote varieties. The description describes this plant as a densely branching vine. The Mexican cucumber climbs a nearby fence, trees, and supports constructed for it.

The plant's leaves are succulent and large, resembling pumpkin leaves in shape. The fruits are distinctive: green or milky-green, depending on the variety. The wrinkled surface of some varieties is covered with spines. The fruit is pear-shaped, containing a large seed, about 5 cm in size.

The fleshy fruit tastes like zucchini. They are used in cooking as a side dish for meat dishes, stewed or fried, and for winter preserves.

The underground portion of the chayote plant produces roots that are eaten like potatoes. They contain vitamins B and C, a complex of amino acids, and starch.

Benefits of chayote

Mexican cucumbers are used for more than just food. Both the above-ground and underground parts of the plant have medicinal properties and are used in folk medicine. Healers create recipes for the treatment of the following ailments:

• digestive system disorders;
• salt formations (stones) in the kidneys;
• persistent increase in blood pressure (hypertension);
• chronic arterial disease (atherosclerosis).

Chayote leaves are used as a medicinal component. The remedy is prepared by brewing the leaves of the vine. After steeping, the decoction is consumed.

Home craftsmen have learned to process the rough above-ground part of the plant and use it for weaving baskets, bags, hats, and mats.

Growing technology

Chayote (Mexican cucumber), which requires no special cultivation, is planted in warm areas early in the spring, starting in late April, using seedlings. Late May and the first week of June are the time to transplant the seedlings into the garden beds.

Planting pattern: the distance between shoots in a row should be at least 1 m. Fill the seedling hole with humus and add 100-150 g of nitrophoska. After planting, water the plants with warm water.

Grown plants with lateral shoots, reaching a height of 50-80 cm, are pruned, leaving several (3-4) lateral branches. The ends of the remaining shoots are pinched.

Cut branches can be used as planting material. To do this, root them by placing them in damp sand. After a while, the shoots will root and are planted in their permanent location. The ends of the branches on the seedlings are also pinched.

Supports are installed nearby while pruning the seedlings. As the chayote grows and develops, water it regularly, loosen the soil, and weed. Once the plants are fully grown, it's recommended to hill them up and feed them with cow manure at a 1:10 ratio. Mineral fertilizers are also used for regular fertilizing.

Harvesting

In the lead-up to autumn, when daylight hours reach 12-13 hours, the Mexican cucumber vine begins to bloom. The resulting fruits develop, acquiring a shape and color appropriate to the variety. The ripened crop must be harvested before frost sets in.

In warmer climates, chayote is grown as a perennial crop. In the first year, each bush can produce 80-100 large fruits. Mature, vigorous plants can produce up to 300 fruits.

Harvested, well-ripened cucumbers are stored in a cool place on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator or in the cellar. They keep very well until spring, retaining their appearance and flavor.

If cucumbers are grown in cooler climates, you can't count on the underground portion of the harvest. The fruits won't have time to ripen and gain strength.

In areas with harsher winters, chayote is grown as an annual crop, and the fruits are harvested unripe. They are edible and taste similar to young cucumbers. A fully ripened harvest can be obtained by growing the vine in a greenhouse.

After harvesting, with the onset of cold weather, the vine is cut, laid on the ground, covered with leaves (you can use covering material) and sprinkled with earth.

Chayote is a plant that can be used for landscaping balconies and verandas. It is also suitable for growing in pots. Its beautiful foliage will enhance any green space.