West Indian Gherkin Cucumber – 30 Seeds
West Indian Gherkin Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) - 30 Seeds
•Heirloom
•Non-GMO
•American grown seeds
•USDA Zones: 3-12
Description:
West Indian Gherkin grow extremely vigorous vines that are excellent for all gardens, space permitting. These plants grow so prolifically that fruits can be harvested throughout the entire summer and won't wilt in the heat, and vines don’t leave room for weeds. Fruits are 3-5” long and have a rounded shape, covered in small spikes.
The 'gerki'n, which bears many small, cucumber-like fruits covered in blunt spines, was a common crop in the Monticello vegetable garden. Thomas Jefferson recommended it to his brother, Randolph, in 1813: "the season being over for planting everything but the Gerkin. It is that by which we distinguish the very small pickling cucumber". This was likely the West Indian Gherkin (Cucumis anguria), a native of Africa brought to the Caribbean through the slave trade, then reputedly introduced from Jamaica in 1792 by Richmond seed merchant Minton Collins. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Growing Instructions:
Direct sow West Indian Gherkin seeds in hills or rows after the last spring frost; for hills, sow 6-8 seeds per 12"-wide hill, then thin to the best 3 plants per hill. The long, vigorous vines benefit from a support structure. Harvest when 1"-2" around for eating fresh, cooking or pickling.
