Preserving and Promoting the Louisiana Heirloom Mirliton (Chayote)
Advice and Research for Home Gardeners
Mirliton.org is a nonprofit organization that promotes the conservation and cultivation of Louisiana heirloom mirlitons. “Mirliton” is the Louisiana name for the iconic climbing squash (botanical name: Sechium edule) better known as “chayote” in the Western Hemisphere. Mirliton.org was founded by Lance Hill in 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana USA, and is a volunteer organization.
Mirliton.org identifies traditional heirloom mirliton varieties that have been grown for over 180 years in Louisiana and links together seed-sellers and buyers. The organization also collects and disseminates information on cultivating mirlitons and international culinary uses.
Once a backyard staple in South Louisiana, heirloom mirlitons were nearly wiped out in recent years by hurricanes and flooding. Mirliton.org seeks to restore this culturally significant and sustainable backyard food source.
Start here:
- Sign up for Updates to be notified about seed and more here
- How to Tips on how to grow mirlitons, indcluding selecting the right variety, planting, trellising, watering, shading, and treating pests and diseases (use the magnifying glass to search for keywords).
- Look for available mirliton sprouts here (seasonal availability)
- Join the Mirliton.Org Facebook Group here
Have a question?
Contact Lance (lance@mirliton.org) or David Hubbell ( rpcajun2r@gmail.com)