Parisian Gherkin

Cucumber

Zone 8b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Parisian Gherkin

🌱 55d to harvest Vine

Crisp as a fresh snap, Parisian Gherkin delivers small, deep-green fruits with a finely pebbled skin that catches the light and s…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 6th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 20th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Dukat Dill Dill

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Cucumis sativus (Parisian gherkin), and what should I do?

Cucumbers commonly get downy mildew, which shows up as yellow patches on leaf tops with a fuzzy gray growth underneath. Remove and destroy infected leaves immediately, increase airflow by spacing plants and keeping foliage off the ground, and avoid wetting leaves when watering. If it keeps spreading, switch to a labeled mildew fungicide that’s approved for cucumbers and follow the product interval closely.

How often should I water Parisian gherkins during the main growing phase?

During active flowering and fruiting, keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply 1–2 times per week rather than frequent light sprinkles, and aim for soil that stays moist but not waterlogged (no pooling). Mulch helps stabilize moisture so the small fruits stay crisp and don’t turn bitter from stress.

How can I tell when Parisian gherkins (Cucumis sativus) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm and about 2–3 inches long (roughly 50–55 days from sowing, depending on conditions), before they start to yellow. Check daily once they begin producing because cucumbers can enlarge quickly and become seedy if left too long. Cut fruit with a small stem attachment to encourage continued picking.

Crisp as a fresh snap, Parisian Gherkin delivers small, deep-green fruits with a finely pebbled skin that catches the light and stays wonderfully crunchy. Expect a clean, classic cucumber flavor with a tender bite—ideal for quick pickling and for fresh snacking straight from the garden. Vigorous and steady from warm weather onward, this 55-day variety rewards careful attention with a steady harvest of uniformly sized gherkins that look as good as they taste.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For classic cornichons, pick small (often ~2–3 inches) every 1–2 days once vines start bearing to keep the fruit crisp and flavorful.