Gherkin Russe - Ferme de Sainte Marthe Seeds

'Russe' (or Russian) Gherkin is an early-maturing and productive variety that yields large, smooth cylindrical fruits, about the size of a hen's egg. Fine flavour. Sow from March to June and harvest from July to October.

Gherkins and cucumbers belong to the same species, the difference being that gherkins are generally picked prematurely to be pickled in vinegar with onions, herbs and peppercorns and used as a condiment. In France, they are traditionally served with pâté and cold meats.

Gherkins do well in light, loose, nutrient-dense soils with plenty of sunlight and temperatures ranging from 18 to 22°C. Gherkins are moisture-loving plants that need watering regularly.

Harvesting: Gherkins are harvested 3 to 4 months after sowing, before the fruits have reached their mature size. For better tasting gherkins, pick them regularly - ideally every two days. Be aware that they grow quickly and will soon turn into cucumbers! Regular harvests will also stimulate fruit production.

Storage: Gherkins stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days before pickling.

Good to know: Gherkin plants are prone to powdery mildew (a fungal disease that causes a white down to form on the surface of the leaves). When watering, try to avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers. When growing gherkins in a greenhouse or polytunnel, make sure it is well-ventilated. Good companion plants include lettuce and beans. Avoid growing your gherkins and cucumbers too close to potatoes and tomatoes.

Even if the vegetable garden is first and foremost a place for growing great quality veg, it’s always a good idea to leave a bit of room for flowers. Growing flowers alongside your vegetable plants will make your general gardening experience more enjoyable and is a great way to attract pollinators and repel garden pests! Flowers such as gaillardia, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos or nasturtiums can be sown in and around the rows of vegetables. Herbs such as dill can be very useful also. Bear in mind that some companion plants self-seed easily and can be a bit invasive (borage, chives, lemon balm etc.)

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.