Tropical
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Grow to Eat
When to plant Choko in Australia
A practical climate-by-climate planting calendar plus detailed starting, care, problem and safety guidance.
StartPlant a vineLightFull sunTimingFruit in 16–24 weeksDifficultyEasy
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Australian planting calendar
Best months by climate
Highlighted months are the usual planting window. A local nursery, seed packet and current weather forecast should take priority over a broad climate calendar.
Subtropical
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarPlantAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugPlantSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March.
Warm temperate
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugWaitSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for September, October, November, December, January, February.
Cool temperate
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugWaitSepWaitOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for October, November, December, January, February.
Mediterranean
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugWaitSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for September, October, November, December, January, February.
Semi-arid
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugWaitSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for September, October, November, December, January, February.
Arid
Open climate guide →JanPlantFebPlantMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugWaitSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecPlant
Aim for September, October, November, December, January, February.
Start well
Plant choko with confidence
Plant a vine. Prepare the final position first, retain the existing root-ball level and water thoroughly after planting.
- Sowing or planting depth
- Plant at the existing crown or root-ball level unless the label specifies otherwise.
- Germination or establishment
- Not normally started from seed in this guide; establishment speed depends on plant size, season and root condition.
- Spacing
- 1–2 m with a strong trellis
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with compost; usually ph 6.0–6.8.
Feeding
Support steady growth
Apply compost before planting, then use a balanced feed as flowering begins.
Water
Keep moisture balanced
Water deeply and consistently through flowering and fruit development.
Maintenance
What to do as it grows
Guide vines onto their allotted space and water deeply at soil level during flowering and fruit set.
Harvest or display
Know when it is ready
Fruit in 16–24 weeks. Readiness varies with variety and weather; use colour, firmness, size and the supplier's maturity notes rather than the calendar alone.
Problems and companions
Keep your patch healthy
Common watch-outs
Powdery mildew, fruit fly, aphids and poor pollination are common. Give vines airflow and inspect young leaves frequently.
Useful neighbours
Nasturtium, marigold and flowering herbs can attract pollinators. Keep vigorous vines from smothering smaller crops.
People and pets
Safety note
No Patch-specific toxicity warning is recorded. That does not prove the plant is safe—check the exact species with a veterinarian or poisons service if children or pets may eat it.
Moving plants
Biosecurity note
Fruit, plants and soil can be restricted between Australian states and pest-control zones. Check current interstate quarantine rules before moving them.
Transparent guidance
How to use this guide
Patch gives a broad Australian starting point, not a guarantee for every variety or garden. Read the Patch methodology and sources, check the latest Bureau of Meteorology climate information, and confirm interstate restrictions through Australian Interstate Quarantine.
Last reviewed 3 September 2026