It can be grown on wide range of soils. Well drained, sandy loam or loamy soils are considered best. It is important that soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. The best soil pH is 5.5 to 6.5.

Chow-chow can be grown in sub-temperate climate. Mild climate is considered best. If temperature goes above 36oC, there is poor production of female flower resulting in poor yield.

Chow-chow is summer vegetables. The crop is semi-perennial lasting 3-4 years. Fruits are pear shaped with longitudinal furrows botanically known as single seeded pepo. Size of fruit is 10-20 cm long. Immature fruits are cooked as vegetable. Chow-chow is rich source of calcium.

In north Indian plains, crop is sown in February-March. In Hills, crop is sown in April-May. Chow-chow is propagated by viviparous single seeded mature fruits (vivipary-seed germinates inside the fruit while still attached to the parent tree and nourished by it). A mature fruit containing a single germinating seed is planted to a depth of two third of its length. Sowing is done in pits. Pits of 45 x 45 x 45 cm are dug up and filled with mixture of manure, top soil and basal dose of fertilizers. Spacing is maintained 2.0 m from row to row 2.0 cm from plant to plant.

Chow-chow responds well to manuring and fertilizers. The dose of fertilizers depends upon the soil type and climate. About 20 q/ha of FYM should be mixed with soil or applied to the pit at least 15 to 20 days before sowing. Besides that about 100 kg N, 60 kg P and 60 kg K/ha should be applied.

Field should be kept weed free entire growth period. Weeding and hoeing are important cultural practices which affect crop growth and fruit development.