Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Production technology

• Chow-chow grows well in well drained, loose soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH is 5.5-6.5. A mature fruit containing a single germinating seed is planted to a depth of two thirds of its length in prepared planting holes, with the widest end downwards. Fruit used for seed should be carefully handled, not stored at <10°C, and planted without much delay.
• The single seed is located near the broad end of the pear-shaped fruit. Plant or seeds are placed in hills spaced 2m and rows 3.5m apart. Plant requires support by poles or a trellis.
• Three to four months after planting the vines start flowering and production is continuous. In Bangalore regions, planting is done all round the year, but preferably in July. Pits or basins of 45-60cm diameter are dug and planting can be done. Pits are spaced at 1.8 x 2.4m. The pits are well manured before planting with 10-15kg of cattle manure per pit and sometimes seedlings raised in pots are transplanted. They are staked to reach the trellis.
• Under Bangalore conditions, fruiting is all round the year. A well grown plant of about one year yields 500-600 fruits per year. The crop is semi-perennial, lasting 3-4 years. The fruit weighs 200-150g. In North-East India fruits are slightly bigger. Average yield of 20-25 tonnes/ha has been recorded in different parts of the country.