Cucumbers
50-55days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 60°F or warmer. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in hills or rows.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
8-18 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green with light green stripes
Size
1-2 inches long when harvested
Shape
Small, oval, very bumpy texture
Flavour
Crisp, mild, perfect cucumber flavor ideal for pickling

In the kitchen

Cornichon pickles, gherkin pickles, fresh snacking when small

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs
Diseases
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common cucumber diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1JuneJuly – AugustJuly – SeptemberSeptember – August
2May – JuneJulyJuly – AugustSeptember
3MayJune – JulyJune – AugustAugust – October
4April – MayJuneJune – JulyAugust – October
5AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – September
6AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyJuly – September
7March – AprilMayMay – JuneJuly – August
8MarchApril – MayApril – JuneJune – August
9FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – MayMay – July
10January – FebruaryMarchMarch – AprilMay – June
11JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – May
12JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – May
13JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – May

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

RadishDeters cucumber beetles and squash bugs while improving soil structure
MarigoldRepels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes with strong scent
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids
Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil and provide ground cover without competing for space
CornProvides natural trellis support and creates beneficial microclimate
SunflowerAttracts beneficial insects and provides afternoon shade in hot climates
DillAttracts beneficial predatory insects and may improve cucumber flavor
LettuceProvides living mulch and efficient use of space as ground cover

Avoid

Aromatic HerbsStrong herbs like sage and rosemary can inhibit cucumber growth and germination
PotatoCompetes for nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility
MelonAttracts same pests and diseases, leading to increased cucumber beetle pressure

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
10
Protein (g)
0.59
Fat (g)
0.16
Carbohydrate (g)
2.16
Fibre (g)
0.7
Sugars (g)
1.38
Vitamin A (µg)
4
Vitamin C (mg)
3.2
Vitamin E (mg)
0.03
Vitamin K (µg)
7.2
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.051
Folate (µg)
14
Calcium (mg)
14
Iron (mg)
0.22
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
21
Potassium (mg)
136
Zinc (mg)
0.17
Selenium (µg)
0.1

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the cucumbers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Parisian Pickling Gherkin?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other cucumbers with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Parisian Pickling Gherkin suits these too.

Browse all 31 cucumbers