Packet Content (approx.): 30

This popular heirloom variety produces delicious gherkins ideal for eating fresh in salads or making sweet pickle. Sow from mid April until mid May in frames, prick out once by transferring partially developed seedlings to larger pots before their roots become too entwined and transplant mid May or sow directly in rows outdoors in May outdoors. Cucumbers are known space hogs in the garden, but can be managed quite easily if grown on a trellis.

Direct the vines of the plants by turning one to the left and one to the right.

Plant in full sun and maintain an even moisture level for even-sized fruit. Warm temperatures are needed for germination and pollination. With a growing season of only 55 to 65 days, it can be grown just about anywhere.

Cucumbers seem to do best when night temperatures are around 60 degrees and day temperatures around 90 degrees. Plant no sooner than 3 or 4 weeks after your last average frost date. Cucumbers can tolerate partial shade and love rich soil that is high in organic matter and well drained.

Work in 1 lb of well balanced fertilizer / 100 SF when preparing soil. Mid-season fertilization will benefit plants. Keep plants well watered. If watered well, do not worry if leaves wilt on the hottest days.

This is the plants way of conserving as much water as possible. Be sure to plant varieties of cucumbers that are scab and mosaic resistant.

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. Or 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.

Often expensive when shop bought, so grow your own - it's easy from seed and more satisfying!

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

Regular feeding is recommended.