Cucumber (Gherkin) 'Venlo Pickling'

'Venlo Pickling' is a traditional and highly productive variety of gherkin cucumber, ideally suited for the UK climate. It produces small, dark green, bumpy-skinned fruits that are best harvested when 5-10cm long for pickling, though they can be left to grow larger for slicing. This variety is typically grown as an 'outdoor' or 'ridge' cucumber, meaning it does not require greenhouse cultivation, although it appreciates a warm, sheltered spot or a cold frame. The habit is trailing or climbing, reaching lengths of 1.5 to 2 metres if supported. It produces small yellow flowers and is monoecious, meaning it bears both male and female flowers on the same plant. In the UK, seeds should be sown indoors in April and moved outside only after the last frosts. Constant moisture and regular feeding are essential for a good crop. It is tender (H2) and will succumb to the first autumn frosts.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.