GHERKIN - Gherkin seeds if kept in ideal conditions should last between 10 - 15 years the same as cucumbers.
In 2021 I grew a variety that came from Seed Megastore and were called Gherkin - National and cost me 59p for 25 seeds. The shape of the Gherkin they produced were not what I was looking for! They got very fat very quickly and there were not many fruits per plant, so I will not be trying those again in 2022
This is a French heirloom variety which has long been sold in the markets of Paris and used to produce small, crisp pickled 'cornichon' gherkin. Each plant produces numerous fruits that are harvested at approx. 2.5cm(1in) long.
Sow & Grow
Sow: Indoors, March-April, for surest results, 0.5cm (¼") deep, on edge, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 21-24°C (70-75°F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days.
When plants have developed 3 or 4 leaves, transplant to 12cm (5”) pots and grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 60cm (2') apart, during May-June, into fertile, well-drained soil.
Sow: outdoors May-June, for ease, where they are to crop. Sow two seeds per position, 0.5cm (¼") deep, directly into finely-prepared, fertile, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Allow 60cm (2') between rows. When large enough, thin to leave the stronger plant. Harvest: July-October.
Sowing/Planting and Flowering/Harvesting Guide
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key 
Sow Indoors 
Sow/Plant Outside 
Flowers/Harvest
Additional Guidance
Pick fruits when up to 5cm (2") long for sweetest flavour. Left to grow on, the fruits can be used as slicing 'cues.
Pinch out the growing tip when six leaves have formed to encourage side shoots to form.
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