Gherkin National Vegetable Seeds

Gherkin 'National Pickling' (Heirloom/Heritage Variety) (Ridge type) is a very fast growing open pollinated variety will produce a mass of small prickly fruits that can be picked and eaten in the normal way or, as the name suggests, pickled to make you own gherkins.

As this is what is known as a 'Ridge Type' it is suitable for outdoor growing, frame growing or growing in a polytunnel or greenhouse. There is no need to remove male flowers on this variety.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Cucumis sativus General Sowing information: Sow at 21-24C singly in small pots Feb onwards 1.25cm deep. Pot up into 12cm pots grow on at 18C. At 4 leaf stage pot into larger pots or growbags, Train plants up a wire or canes. Outdoor varieties can be sown after last frosts when the ground has warmed up until June.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in the greenhouse in individual large pots, or 3 plants per grow bag when 20cm (8in) high. Can be planted outdoors, 45cm (18in) apart once all frost risk has passed

Harvesting:

Pick as soon as the fruits are ripe, this also encourages the production of more fruit. Harvest all the fruit as soon as frost threatens and ripen on a window sill.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season.

Regular feeding is recommended.