Parisian Pickling Gherkin
Cucumis sativus 'Parisian Pickling'
A classic French heirloom prized for producing abundant tiny cucumbers perfect for traditional cornichon pickles. These compact plants yield hundreds of small, bumpy fruits that should be harvested daily when just 1-2 inches long. The ultimate variety for gourmet pickle enthusiasts who want to create authentic European-style preserved cucumbers.
Harvest
50-55d
Days to harvest
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
8-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Parisian Pickling Gherkin in USDA Zone 7
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Parisian Pickling Gherkin · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May – May | June – July | June – August | August – October |
| Zone 4 | April – May | June – June | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 5 | April – April | May – June | May – July | August – September |
| Zone 6 | April – April | May – June | May – July | July – September |
| Zone 7 | March – April | May – May | May – June | July – August |
| Zone 8 | March – March | April – May | April – June | June – August |
| Zone 9 | February – February | March – April | March – May | May – July |
| Zone 10 | January – February | March – March | March – April | May – June |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The "vegetable" is botanically a fruit– it is a pepo, a berry with a hard rind. Long and cylindrical, starting out prickly when young and smoothing out to a bumpy surface as it matures. Length and girth can vary based on cultivar and culinary purpose but grow at least 3 in long. Some varieties are bred to be seedless.
Color: Green. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Fruits are commonly eaten raw or pickled. Fresh cucumbers last in the fridge for about a week.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Parisian gherkins maintain peak quality for 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator's crisper drawer in a perforated plastic bag. Don't wash until ready to use, as excess moisture encourages decay. For best texture in pickles, process within 24 hours of harvest.
These gherkins excel in traditional French cornichon recipes using white wine vinegar, tarragon, and pearl onions. Quick pickle in a simple brine of equal parts water and white vinegar with salt for immediate use. For long-term storage, use proper water-bath canning methods following tested recipes.
Fermented gherkins develop complex flavors using a 3% salt brine with dill and garlic—ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days, then refrigerate. Freezing isn't recommended as it destroys the crisp texture essential for quality pickles. Properly canned gherkins maintain excellent quality for 12-18 months.
History & Origin
Origin: Himalaya to Northern Thailand
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Edible: Fruits are commonly eaten raw or pickled. Fresh cucumbers last in the fridge for about a week.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Radish
Deters cucumber beetles and squash bugs while improving soil structure
Marigold
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes with strong scent
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids
Bush Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil and provide ground cover without competing for space
Corn
Provides natural trellis support and creates beneficial microclimate
Sunflower
Attracts beneficial insects and provides afternoon shade in hot climates
Dill
Attracts beneficial predatory insects and may improve cucumber flavor
Lettuce
Provides living mulch and efficient use of space as ground cover
Keep Apart
Aromatic Herbs
Strong herbs like sage and rosemary can inhibit cucumber growth and germination
Potato
Competes for nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility
Melon
Attracts same pests and diseases, leading to increased cucumber beetle pressure
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169225)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common cucumber diseases
Common Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs
Diseases
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus