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Welcome, fellow green thumbs! If you’re anything like me, you’re always keen to try your hand at growing something unique in your Aussie garden. That’s why I’m thrilled to share some of my favourite choko growing tips.

Whether you’re in the sun-bathed stretches of Queensland or the cooler climes of Tasmania, learning how to grow chokos can be a fantastic addition to your Australian gardening adventures.

Chokos Are Making a Comeback

a choko on the vine ready to pick
The choko is often mistaken for a vegetable but it’s actually a fruit. It’s related to cucumbers and melons, and when cooked, it takes on the flavor of the foods it’s cooked with, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

As you stroll through local farmer’s markets or the supermarket, you’ll likely notice the choko plant is back in vogue. This hardy and versatile climber is seeing a resurgence in our gardens. With its ability to adapt to various climates and its surprising array of culinary uses, chokos are once again becoming a staple in both Aussie backyards and kitchens.

My journey with chokos began with curiosity, and perhaps yours did too. Intrigued by their pear-like shape and mild flavour, I discovered that every part of this plant is edible – from the subtly sweet fruit to the root and leaves!

It wasn’t until I started growing my own chokos that I realised that they’re ultra-valuable. They’re super easy to grow and provide you with incredible harvests. This plant needs hardly any care, and it’s one of the most versatile fruits in the kitchen. The more you experiment, the more you’ll realise that choko goes with everything.

The Ideal Climate

choko vine covering the veggie house
Choko vines can cover great distances! This makes them super productive, but just watch where you plant them. You can prune them at the end of the growing season to keep them in check.

Chokos aren’t fussy. They grow well in temperate climates right through to the tropics. I’m in tropical Queensland, and chokos grow well. You may find that they struggle a little during the wet season, but if you plant them in a well-draining position, they’ll most likely thrive.

They love the sun. However, on hot Queensland days, they definitely appreciate some protection. I love growing mine up trees and shrubs, as well as the chicken coop. They find their own way!

Chokos in the Kitchen

choko fruit cut in half
The inside of the choko fruit. It’s very easy to cut into cubes, after which you can add it to stews, curries, soups… anything!

The real delight in growing chokos, I’ve found, is their culinary uses. Freshly picked from the vine, they can be sliced into salads for a crisp, refreshing bite or sautéed in stir-fries where they absorb flavours while retaining a satisfying crunch.

And in my kitchen, they regularly find their way into stews and chutneys – even smoothies and juices! The best thing about them is that they have hardly any flavour. I know that doesn’t sound like a good thing, but it is! They absorb the flavour of the dish you put them in. Which makes them incredibly useful and versatile.

How to Grow Chokos

the newly planted choko vine is growing up the tree
A newly planted choko vine growing up the tree.

Chokos prefer a sunny position in temperate and subtropical climates. In the tropics, they appreciate a little bit of shade during the hot parts of the day. Make sure your soil is well-draining – your choko will rot if it’s waterlogged! You can grow them on a mound, in a tire, in a raised bed, or on a slight slope to make sure the water drains freely.

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Provide them with plenty of mulch and something to climb up on. Anything will do. A tree, a trellis, the chook pen, a fence, let it ramble through a hedge or shrub – the possibility truly are endless. Read my article: Growing a Choko Vine from Store-Bought Fruit to learn how to grow your own choko plant, for almost free!

Watering

We all know that plants love a good drink, and choko vines are no exception. I find they thrive best when I keep their soil moist, especially during the critical early stages of growth. Here’s what I’ve learned about watering these versatile vines:

  • Water deeply once a week to encourage deep root development.
  • Increase watering frequency during hot or dry spells, making sure the soil doesn’t dry out.
  • Avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot – chokos like a drink, not a swim!

Mulching

choko vine is growing up the tree with mulch
Choko loves mulch! This newly planted choko should do very well.

An effective way I maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds is through organic mulching. Spreading a generous layer of organic mulch around the base of my choko plant works wonders:

  • It retains soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
  • Mulch breaks down over time, enhancing the soil’s nutrient profile.
  • It acts as a natural barrier, keeping those unwanted weeds at bay.

When to Plant Chokos In Queensland

If you’re in Queensland and itching to get those chokos in the ground, timing is key. You want to plant them when the weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold. In Queensland, this sweet spot typically falls around late August to early September.

Queensland’s climate during these months offers mild temperatures, which is perfect for chokos. They’re not fans of frost, and let’s be honest, frost in Queensland is as rare as hen’s teeth. But, if you’re up in the Tablelands or other cooler areas, just keep an eye out for those chilly nights.

Pests: Natural Solutions

nasturtium in flower in the vegetable garden
Nasturtium is one of my favourite companion plants – the flowers are gorgeous!

Dealing with pests can be tricky, but I’ve found some natural methods that help keep my choko vines free from harm without resorting to harsh chemicals:

  • Regular inspections are key – I keep an eye out for signs of pests and act swiftly.
  • I sprinkle crushed egg shells around the base of the plants to discourage snails. Snails love the young shoots of the choko.
  • Encouraging beneficial insects into the garden by companion planting. This is something I use throughout the garden. Try growing marigold, nasturtium, perennial basil, and other beneficial companions to reduce pest problems.

Overall, chokos are pretty resilient. They don’t have a lot of issues. Here in Queensland, rot is the main problem!

Pruning

I don’t prune my choko vines. I don’t prune much at all, to be honest. I love seeing wild, sprawling plants and trees, the bigger the better. However, pruning can significantly enhance the productivity of your choko vine.

As winter sets in, it’s recommended to prune back the vine. This encourages the plant to concentrate its energy on new growth come spring. The aim is to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases and stimulates fruit production.

  • Remove dead or diseased wood.
  • Thin out dense areas to ensure adequate light and air circulation.
  • Identify and retain the strongest shoots, as these will bear next season’s fruits.

Fertilising

elle mixing powerfeed fertiliser to feed plants in the garden

My choko vines don’t get a lot of ‘applied’ nutrient. I focus most of my efforts on mulching and chop and drop, and so far they seem very happy with this. When I do fertilise, there a few things I love using:

  1. Powerfeed. This is organic based, but not certified organic. This is my go-to for indoor and house plants, potted veggies, and singular plants that need a bit of a boost. I get it from Aussie Gardener – they have amazing support!
  2. Liquid blood and bone. Again, organic based, but not certified organic. This is my go-to for big areas, the paddocks, or broad application. I get this in big 20l drums from Specialist Sales.
  3. Katek’s Super Growth. I get this at the local produce store. It’s a pelleted fertiliser, which you sprinkle around the base of the plant.

Be careful with high nitrogen fertilisers during the flowering and fruiting season. You’ll get lush foliage with little fruit.

Harvesting Your Chokos

a young, immature choko fruit
This is an immature choko fruit, not ready for harvest.

Chokos are ready to harvest around 18 weeks after planting. Regular harvesting ensures that they keep producing more and fruit – you’ll be surprised how much they’ll produce! I look for fruits that are nice and full looking, anywhere around 10cm long. They should be bright green (unless you’re growing the white variety!), shiny, and yummy looking.

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One Comment

  1. Most informative, thank you for your time and effort to share your knowledge ?. Gratitude to to you ?

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