{"product_id":"ga-cornichon-south-african-spiny-cucumber-bio","title":"Organic 'South African Spiny Cucumber' Pickle","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"361\"\u003e Organic 'South African Spiny Cucumber' (Cucumis zeyheri) from the seed company Gaia, an ornamental African variety with spiky fruit and citrus flavors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"896\"\u003eThe 'South African Spiny Cucumber' develops long, \u003cstrong data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"464\"\u003evigorous, climbing vines\u003c\/strong\u003e that can reach nearly \u003cstrong data-start=\"492\" data-end=\"504\"\u003e2 meters in length\u003c\/strong\u003e , supported by \u003cstrong data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"545\"\u003emedium-green foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e with a flexible, spreading habit. The oval to elliptical fruits, covered in \u003cstrong data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"647\"\u003esmall, soft spines\u003c\/strong\u003e , appear green at first before turning \u003cstrong data-start=\"700\" data-end=\"714\"\u003epale yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e when ripe. Their flesh is \u003cstrong data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"756\"\u003every dry\u003c\/strong\u003e , slightly \u003cstrong data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"781\"\u003epeppery\u003c\/strong\u003e , with a \u003cstrong data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"824\"\u003ecitrusy flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e , which clearly distinguishes this variety from traditional cucumbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"898\" data-end=\"1252\"\u003eNative to South Africa, this annual plant is often cultivated as \u003cstrong data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"998\"\u003ean ornamental\u003c\/strong\u003e , both for the decorative appearance of its fruit and its vigorous growth habit. It also has a long history of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1166\"\u003etraditional food and medicinal\u003c\/strong\u003e use among indigenous peoples, adding significant ethnobotanical interest to its cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1439\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1277\"\u003eCompanion plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peas, Corn, Beans, Radish, Beetroot, Carrot, Onion, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflower, Oregano, Dill\u003cbr data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1378\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1400\"\u003eNegative plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Potato, Sage, Mint, Melon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1749\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1463\"\u003eSpread\/carrying habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Climbing, creeping\u003cbr data-start=\"1481\" data-end=\"1484\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003ePlant height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 200 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1524\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003eQuantity per packet:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9 seeds \u003cbr data-start=\"1559\" data-end=\"1562\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1581\"\u003eCertification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Certified organic\u003cbr data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1604\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1624\"\u003eSpecial features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rare African variety, decorative spiky fruits, lemony flavor, ornamental and traditional use, open pollination\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1908\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1777\"\u003eLeaf color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium green\u003cbr data-start=\"1788\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003eTexture\/flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry flesh, slightly spicy, citrus notes\u003cbr data-start=\"1863\" data-end=\"1866\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1866\" data-end=\"1890\"\u003eCold tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sensitive to frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1929\"\u003e Farming method\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"2387\"\u003eSoak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"1998\"\u003e24 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2019\"\u003escarify\u003c\/strong\u003e them to improve germination. Sow \u003cstrong data-start=\"2061\" data-end=\"2089\"\u003e1 to 1.5 cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e , directly outdoors \u003cstrong data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003e1 to 2 weeks after the last frost\u003c\/strong\u003e , when the soil has warmed up, or start the seeds indoors \u003cstrong data-start=\"2237\" data-end=\"2271\"\u003e4 weeks before planting out\u003c\/strong\u003e . Space plants \u003cstrong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2309\"\u003e30 to 60 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e apart and rows \u003cstrong data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2340\"\u003e60 to 90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e apart, in \u003cstrong data-start=\"2350\" data-end=\"2386\"\u003erich, loose, and well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2643\"\u003eThis variety prefers full \u003cstrong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2447\"\u003esun (level 3)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2454\" data-end=\"2485\"\u003econsistent watering (level 3)\u003c\/strong\u003e , especially during the active growth phase. A support or trellis can be used to enhance its climbing habit and facilitate harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2645\" data-end=\"2672\"\u003e Harvesting and preservation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"3084\"\u003e Harvest the fruit when its skin turns from \u003cstrong data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2744\"\u003egreen to light yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e , a sign of proper ripeness. It is possible to leave them to ripen longer on the vine until they develop a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2868\" data-end=\"2900\"\u003emore pronounced yellow hue\u003c\/strong\u003e , at which point their aroma is most intense. Fresh fruit will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but is best enjoyed \u003cstrong data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3083\"\u003efreshly picked\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3086\" data-end=\"3109\"\u003e Usage ideas\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"3111\" data-end=\"3443\"\u003e• Used as a traditional vegetable in some African cuisines\u003cbr data-start=\"3181\" data-end=\"3184\"\u003e • Interesting when eaten chilled for its lemony taste\u003cbr data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3246\"\u003e • Used occasionally in traditional medicinal preparations\u003cbr data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3314\"\u003e • Cultivated as an ornamental plant for its decorative spiky fruits\u003cbr data-start=\"3383\" data-end=\"3386\"\u003e • Integrated into exploratory and ethnobotanical vegetable gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"3445\" data-end=\"3783\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e The ' \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSouth African Spiny Cucumber'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3533\"\u003eunique and expressive\u003c\/strong\u003e variety, straddling the line between \u003cstrong data-start=\"3556\" data-end=\"3592\"\u003eedible and ornamental plant\u003c\/strong\u003e , enriching the garden with its vigorous growth habit, cultural history, and unexpected flavors. A truly intriguing plant for passionate gardeners and discerning collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075548635296,"sku":"GAI-SEMENCES","price":4.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/Cornichon_SouthAfricanSpinyCucumber_bioGaia.jpg?v=1765629047","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/ga-cornichon-south-african-spiny-cucumber-bio","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}