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Organic seeds Cucurbitaceae

Organic West Indies 'Gherkin' Seeds

Name: Organic West Indies 'Gherkin' Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Cucumis anguria

Product code : GAIAS-0055

This organic variety is part of Gaia's seed selection for Canadian gardens. The 'gherkin', which bears many small, cucumber-like fruits covered in blunt spines, was a common crop in the Monticello vegetable garden. Thomas Jefferson recommended it to his brother, Randolph, in 1813: “the season being over for planting everything but the Gerkin. It is that by which we distinguish the very small pickling cucumber”. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. West Indies 'Gherkin' seeds are presented here with Canadian seed starting and seasonal care guidance.

Exposure: Partial shade
Life cycle: Annual

Common nameWest Indies Gherkin

FamilyCucurbitaceae

GenusCucumis

Speciesanguria

TypeOrganic seeds

Botanical nameCucumis anguria

Organic West Indies 'Gherkin' Seeds (Cucumis anguria). This organic variety is part of Gaia's seed selection for Canadian gardens. The ‘gherkin', which bears many small, cucumber-like fruits covered in blunt spines, was a common crop in the Monticello vegetable garden. Thomas Jefferson recommended it to his brother, Randolph, in 1813: “the season being over for planting everything but the Gerkin. It is that by which we distinguish the very small pickling cucumber”. Life cycle: annual. Expected height: 5.1 cm (2 in). For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Soak in warm water up to 24 hours and scarify for improved germination. Direct seed 1 to 2 weeks after last frost. Can also start indoors 4 weeks before the planting date. 1/2 in direct 12 to 30 °C 3 to 10 days (soaking and scarification recommended). Space plants 152.4 cm (60 in). Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Harvest when skin colour turns from green to light yellow. Let it ripen off the vine until it turns yellowish in colour. Peas, Corn, Beans, Radish, Beets, Carrot, Onion, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflower, Oregano, Dill. The packet contains 20 seeds. Confirmed edible parts: Ripe fruit.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

13 mm (1/2″) direct

Spacing / density

152 cm (60″)

Germination temperature

12-30°C

Germination time

3 to 10 days (soaking and scarification recommended)

Propagation

Seed propagation

Growing method

For West Indies Gherkin, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Soak in warm water up to 24 hours and scarify for improved germination. Direct seed 1 to 2 weeks after last frost. Can also start indoors 4 weeks before the planting date. 1/2 in direct 12 to 30 °C 3 to 10 days (soaking and scarification recommended). Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Moderate

Seasonal care

For West Indies Gherkin, adjust seasonal care to the plant's actual growth cycle. Soak in warm water up to 24 hours and scarify for improved germination. Direct seed 1 to 2 weeks after last frost. Can also start indoors 4 weeks before the planting date. 1/2 in direct 12 to 30 °C 3 to 10 days (soaking and scarification recommended). Harvest when skin colour turns from green to light yellow. Let it ripen off the vine until it turns yellowish in colour. Peas, Corn, Beans, Radish, Beets, Carrot, Onion, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflower, Oregano, Dill. The packet contains 20 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Growing West Indies Gherkin in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. In-ground growing recommended; use a very large container of 40 L or more only with support and regular watering. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Organic West Indies 'Gherkin' Seeds by Gaia, additional product image for Canadian gardeners.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

5 cm (2″)

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Vining or trailing

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Plants to avoid

Potato, Sage, Mint, Melon.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How many West Indies 'Gherkin' seeds are in the packet?

For West Indies Gherkin, the packet information states: Approximately 20 seeds · lot GOGO139 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start West Indies 'Gherkin' seeds in Canada?

For West Indies Gherkin, follow the detailed sowing schedule in the product record. The recommended method is sowing from seed, at a depth of 13 mm (1/2 in) when direct-sown. Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do West Indies 'Gherkin' seeds take to germinate?

For West Indies Gherkin, the stated germination period is 3 to 10 days (soaking and scarification recommended), at a germination temperature of 12 to 30 °C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow West Indies 'Gherkin' in the garden?

For West Indies Gherkin, the recommended exposure is Partial shade. The stated spacing guideline is 152 cm (60″). For container growing, the product record recommends: the detailed directions in the product record. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Place plants where their growth can be observed and stress can be addressed early.

When and how should I harvest West Indies 'Gherkin'?

For West Indies Gherkin, the confirmed edible parts are: Ripe fruit. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain. Match the site to the plant's verified light, soil and spacing requirements.