🥒 Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling'

Sowing window (UK)	April to May
Minimum soil temperature	15°C at seed depth
Sowing depth	2 cm
Spacing	60 cm apart
Days to germination	7 days
Days to harvest	84 days
Sowing method	Start under cover, transplant out
Frost hardy	No
Sun	full-sun
Watering	moderate
Plant family	Cucurbitaceae

When should I sow Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' from April to May. It is normally started under cover and transplanted. Wait until the soil has reached 15°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - gherkin will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' need to germinate?

Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' needs a minimum soil temperature of 15°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling'?

For Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling', sow it 2cm deep and space plants 60cm apart.

How long does Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' take to grow?

Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' takes roughly 84 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 7 days.

Is Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' frost hardy?

No. Gherkin 'Venlo Pickling' is not frost hardy. Do not put it outside until the risk of frost has passed in your area, and be ready to fleece it if a late frost is forecast.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.