Omari Gates
Gherkins, also known as gherkin cucumbers, are a small variety of cucumber that is often pickled in brine or vinegar. They are easy to grow in Australia and are ideal for pickling and using in salads. They are best grown in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and a trellis or fence for support. To grow gherkins, you can sow seeds directly or in a grow-bag/pot for later transplanting. The seeds should be lightly covered and kept moist through germination and while growing. Regular watering and feeding are essential, and fruits can be harvested in 10-12 weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seed type | Cucumber Pickling Gherkin |
| Seed depth | 12mm (1/2 inch) or 1cm |
| Spacing between seeds | 40-50cm or 100cm |
| Watering | Regularly |
| Fertiliser | Yes, use an all-purpose granular fertiliser |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil type | Well-drained, moist but not wet |
| Support structure | Trellis, fence, tripod, strong netting, or post and wire supports |
| Companion plants | Basil, beans, radish, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, parsnip, spinach, peas, tomatoes, marigolds |
| Harvesting | When 5-10cm long |
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What You'll Learn
- Planting: sow directly or in a grow bag/pot, spacing 40-50cm apart
- Soil: keep moist during germination and growing, water and feed regularly
- Sunlight: grow in a sunny spot with well-drained soil
- Support: use a trellis or fence for support, tying plants as they grow
- Pests: protect from snails and slugs, and keep plants free of aphids
Planting: sow directly or in a grow bag/pot, spacing 40-50cm apart
When planting gherkin seeds, you can either sow directly into a prepared seedbed or in a grow bag/pot for later transplanting. If you choose to sow directly, press 4-5 seeds into mounds of moist soil about 40cm apart, and thin them out to the two strongest plants later on. If you're planting in a grow bag, space the seeds 50cm apart and cover them lightly with 5mm of soil.
Gherkin plants need a supporting structure, so it's best to plant them next to a trellis, fence, or strong netting. They are prone to viruses and pests, so keep the planted area free of weeds and protect the fruits from coming into contact with damp or wet soil. You can also use straw or other materials to protect the fruits.
If you're starting your seeds in pots, use Yates Seed Raising Mix in a well-lit, protected spot. Transplant the seedlings into larger, 12cm pots once they've developed 3-4 true leaves. You can then move them to a cold frame to acclimatise or leave them outside during the day and bring them under cover in the evenings.
Make sure to keep your gherkin plants well-watered and fed. They grow best in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
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$2.64
Soil: keep moist during germination and growing, water and feed regularly
To grow gherkins in Australia, it is important to keep the soil moist during germination and growing. The soil should be well-drained and never wet or saturated. Regular watering is essential to maintain consistent moisture.
Before planting, prepare the soil by raking it over and firming it. For direct sowing, press 4-5 seeds into mounds of moist soil, leaving 40 cm between each clump. If you are planting in pots or grow bags, space the seeds 50 cm apart and lightly cover them with 5 mm of soil. Keep the seedbed moist during the germination period, which can last between 7 and 14 days.
Once the seeds have germinated, continue to water and feed regularly throughout the growing period. Feed young plants with liquid tomato feed every 7 days once the yellow flowers appear. Protect the fruits from touching damp or wet soil, as cucumbers rot quickly when in contact with it. Ensure the soil is well-drained and consider using growing bags or containers to avoid this issue.
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Sunlight: grow in a sunny spot with well-drained soil
When growing gherkins in Australia, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Gherkins are a type of cucumber and, as such, they require full sun and moist but well-drained soil—they will rot quickly if allowed to touch wet soil. To ensure good drainage, prepare the soil in advance by incorporating well-rotted organic matter. Before planting, rake over and firm the soil.
Gherkins can be grown in a variety of ways, including directly in the ground, in pots, in growing bags, or in large containers. If planting directly in the ground, space seeds 40-50cm apart and cover them lightly with 5-12mm of soil. For pots or containers, space seeds 15cm apart and cover with 1cm of soil.
Gherkin plants can benefit from a supporting structure, such as a trellis, fence, or tripod, especially if allowed to spread along the ground. This helps to prevent the fruit from touching the soil and rotting. If using a trellis, sow seeds next to the structure or transplant seedlings after 3-4 weeks.
To promote healthy growth, protect gherkin plants from pests such as snails and slugs, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew, which can be problematic, especially in summer. Regular watering and feeding are also important to ensure a bountiful harvest.
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Support: use a trellis or fence for support, tying plants as they grow
When growing gherkins in Australia, it is important to provide support for the plants as they grow. One way to do this is by using a trellis or fence. Gherkin plants can be grown next to a supporting trellis or tripod, which provides the necessary support for the climbing vines. This method is especially useful if you are limited on space.
To use a trellis or fence for support, you can follow these steps:
- Set up a trellis or fence structure next to where you plan to plant your gherkin seeds. Ensure that the structure is sturdy and secure in the ground.
- Plant your gherkin seeds at the base of the trellis or fence, following the recommended spacing guidelines for the specific variety you are planting.
- As the gherkin plants grow, gently tie them to the trellis or fence using garden twine or soft plant ties. This will provide support for the climbing vines and help guide their growth.
- Continue to monitor the plants regularly and adjust the ties as needed to ensure the plants are adequately supported.
Using a trellis or fence for support has several benefits. It helps to keep the fruit clean by preventing it from touching the soil, where it can rot or be affected by pests. It also saves space in your garden and makes harvesting easier, as the fruit will be more accessible.
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Pests: protect from snails and slugs, and keep plants free of aphids
To protect your gherkin plants from snails and slugs, you can use snail and slug bait, such as Yates Blitzem or McGregor's Snail and Slug bait. You can also keep your plants free of aphids by removing any dead or yellowing leaves as they appear and keeping the planted area free of weeds. It is also good practice to avoid using chemicals on food plants, so good hygiene is important where possible.
Gherkin plants can be grown in a variety of ways, including directly in the ground, in growing bags, or in large containers. If you choose to plant them directly in the ground, make sure to provide plenty of straw or other material to protect the fruits from coming into contact with damp or wet soil, as cucumbers rot quickly when touching it. You can also prevent this by growing your gherkin plants on a supporting structure, such as a trellis, fence, strong netting, or post and wire supports.
Marigolds are a natural pest repellent and grow well alongside cucumbers. To further protect your plants from pests, you can transplant them into larger, 12 cm pots and place them in a warm, sheltered position. As the plants continue to grow, you can move them to a cold frame to acclimatise, or leave them outside during the day and bring them under cover in the evenings.
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Frequently asked questions
Plant the seeds in spring, after the frosts, or from March to April.
You can plant the seeds in trays or pots for transplanting, or directly in their final position. If planting directly, space the seeds 40-50cm apart and cover with 1cm of soil. If planting in pots, use Yates Seed Raising Mix and place in a well-lit, protected spot.
Keep the soil moist during germination and growing. Water and feed regularly. When the plant has 5 or 6 leaves, pinch out the growing tips to encourage side shoots. Protect the plants from snails and slugs, and from pests such as aphids.
Gherkin plants need support as they grow, such as a trellis, fence, or strong netting. They can also be grown in a greenhouse.
Harvest when the cucumbers are small (5-10cm long) and regularly to prolong fruit production.
