The word "gherkin" has long been known to Russians came to us from France. Gherkins are small cucumbers whose length does not exceed 9 cm. Most often they are canned and pickled, because in this form they are the most delicious and crispy.
What cucumbers can be called gherkins?
Previously, according to GOST in the Soviet Union there were 2 groups of gherkins:
All fruits of cucumbers, which were smaller in size, are called pickles. Today, gherkins are called cucumbers from 5 to 9 cm, which break down soon after the flowering begins. Such cucumbers need to be collected only from narrow-fruited varieties, preventing them from overgrowing. True, experts do not call such a crop gherkins, noting that this is a special subspecies of cucumber. Plants of any varieties are not suitable for this.
Varieties of gherkins
Gherkin cucumbers are presented in various varieties, it is simply impossible to mention all. Experienced gardeners easily select for themselves loved ones, which are used much more often than others. If you are just going to grow gherkins, the varieties that are considered the most popular will suit you perfectly. Having planted several options, you can easily decide which one you like best.
The most popular varieties are:
- Parisian gherkin . Such a variety of mid-season cucumbers, according to experienced gardeners, is great for open ground. Recommended for use in greenhouses (film). It is a 5-10-centimeter coarse-humped fruit of a deep dark green color. Ideal for use in conservation.
- Fun company . The self-pollinating variety of small cucumbers is suitable for growing both on the open ground and in greenhouses. Green fruits reach 7-9 cm in length. This variety is good in that it easily resists many diseases and root rot.
- Prima donna . The popularity of cucumber is largely due to the speed of ripening and high productivity. At the peak of fruiting, fruits grow, the length of which is 9.5-11 cm. Excellent taste qualities of the presented variety are also appreciated.
- Moravian gherkin F1 . A bee-pollinated variety that is suitable for planting exclusively on open beds. The fruits are crisp and short, versatile in use.
Gherkins, photos of various varieties of which are familiar to many gardeners, are bred relentlessly by breeders. The above - only a small fraction of the whole picture, full of variety.
Growing Gherkins
If you were engaged in the cultivation of simple cucumbers, then there will be nothing complicated in the agricultural technology of gherkins. You can plant small cucumbers in various conditions. Both greenhouses and open beds are suitable for this.
Growing gherkins, photos of which are presented in the article, it is very important to regularly collect fruits. It is recommended to do this every day. The most delicious cucumbers are those whose length does not exceed 8 cm. By the way, the frequent collection of fruits stimulates the formation of new inflorescences. For inexperienced summer residents, who only occasionally visit the garden, this will be impossible. In their case, to obtain gherkins, you will have to sow mini varieties, as well as put up with a low crop.
Gherkins are fruits that can be planted on soil with an acid level in the range of 6.0-7.5. It is worth making sure that the soil is light and loose. It is previously recommended to fertilize the earth with organic matter to ensure maximum yield.
Sowing gherkins for seedlings
Gherkin seeds can be sown for seedlings. Thanks to this method, it will be possible to accelerate the time of harvesting by about 2-3 weeks. It is important to monitor the temperature of the soil, which should not be lower than 12 degrees, because gherkins are very sensitive to cold plants. If such a simple condition is not met, it is worth preparing for the fact that in the end they will be weak and prone to various diseases. By the way, it is possible to warm up the open soil, having covered it previously with a film.
Seedlings can only be planted in warm soil. As for the density of planting, you should adhere to the recommendations that are prescribed on the bag with seeds. Seedlings in open ground can be planted in the period from May 20 to June 1. True, you need to take into account weather conditions, to which gherkins are very sensitive.
How to pluck gherkins
Gherkins are the same cucumbers, only small, so the conditions for planting and stalling are not much different from large fruits.
Harvested continuously. Because of this, you need to carefully consider the dressing and watering of plants. Obtaining moisture from the soil is a guarantee that the plants will produce crops continuously. It is recommended to water the gherkins with heated water, in fact, like ordinary cucumbers. Picked fruits should be sent immediately to a cold place so that they remain crispy.
Pickled Gherkins Recipe
The most delicious are pickled and canned cucumbers. There are a lot of good recipes, it is only important to choose according to your taste.
Pickled small cucumbers are the most delicious, which your family will certainly appreciate. The first step is to prepare a marinade, for which it is required (the amount is calculated per liter can):
- 2 tsp salts;
- 20 tsp Sahara;
- 70 g of 9% vinegar;
- 10 peas of allspice and black pepper;
- 3 buds of cloves;
- 2 bay leaves.
The required number of cucumbers need to be soaked in water for 6 hours. The exception is only freshly cut gherkins, which do not need to be soaked. Then you need to put the fruits in two banks of 0.5 liters. The next step is to pour 2 times boiling water and the last time - boiling marinade. Roll up the jar and cover with a towel. Bon Appetit!