Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber

This Mexican and Central American species bears an abundance of 1" fruits that resemble tiny watermelons. Their initial flavor profile is that of a sweet cucumber, but is followed by a surprising “already pickled” taste, offering an interesting and spirited note. Great for growing on a trellis, this species’ fruits fall from the vines when ripe and are great for pickling with small peppers and garlic. This cucumber relative was recorded by French botanist Charles Victor Naudin in 1866.

• 60-70 days
• Conventional
• Fruits grow to 1-2 inches, resembling tiny watermelons
• Good flavor
• Taste as if they are already pickled
• Grows well on a trellis

This variety works for:

• Fresh eating
• Pickling

Cucumbers are most often used raw and are perfect in salads. Some chefs prefer to peel the skin off the fruit as it can be bitter.

Cucumbers pair well with mint an dill, which can be added directly to your salad or to dressings. Cucumber and mint can also be added to smoothies and juice. Tatziki sauce is made from shredded cucumber, yogurt, and dill.

Pickling cucumbers, however, are best for preserving in a solution of vinegar, salt, sugar, spices, and water. You can create countless number of combinations for your pickles to use on sandwiches, as a relish, or eaten as side dish.

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12"-diameter hills after the last frost when soil is warm. Space hills 3' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest. This species benefits from consistent moisture. Provide support for vines to save space.

• Direct Seed: 1" Deep
• Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds
• Thin: To 3-4 Plants
• Light: Full Sun