Chayote is a kind of five-fingered tangerine. It looks very similar to the bergamot. There are cracks like fists, and there are also fingers open. When the fruit is ripe, it will be bright yellow and have a strong fragrance. It likes to grow in warm, humid and sunny places, and is resistant to waterlogging and drought. So how to grow potted chayote? Let’s find out together next!

1. Environmental selection

It is better to use sandy soil that is rich in humus, fertile, loose, and acidic for potted bergamot. It is usually planted with weathered pond mud* or rotted leaves* to maintain acidic soil. It can also be cultivated with fertilizer prepared from decomposed chicken manure, field*, and river sand*.

2. Water and fertilizer management

When chayote is growing vigorously, it is necessary to increase watering, especially in high-temperature environments in summer, and to spray water to increase the humidity of the chayote growing environment. After autumn, watering is reduced. During the flowering and fruiting period, watering should not be too much. Fertilization of chayote should be timely. In the spring shoot stage, thin cake fertilizer and water should be applied once a week. During the flowering and fruiting period, cake fertilizer and liquid need to be applied. And apply a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and do not apply nitrogen fertilizer. During the fruit growth period, apply calcium, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers, and apply less nitrogen fertilizer, otherwise the fruit maturity period will be delayed.

3. Pruning

Chayote should retain 3-5 fruiting branches to promote the formation of the crown. In summer, reduce the long branches by 2/5 to allow them to produce fruiting branches. New shoots drawn in autumn must be properly preserved to prepare for fruiting in the second year. All fruits that are difficult to set should be removed. There are too many chayote fruits. Diseased and weak fruits need to be removed in time to replenish nutrients to good quality fruits.

4. Prevention and control of pests and diseases

The bergamot is very delicate and prone to diseases and pests such as anthracnose, sooty disease and scale insects. When pests and diseases are discovered, they should be prevented and treated in time. Pay attention to strengthen management and keep the tree clean and hygienic. Regular spraying of Bordeaux mixture can effectively prevent and control pests and diseases.