Gherkins are a crispy treat from the garden

The word "cornichon" known to Russians came to us from France. Gherkins are small cucumbers, the length of which does not exceed 9 cm. Most often they are preserved and marinated, because in this form they are the most delicious and crunchy.

What cucumbers can be called gherkins?

Previously, according to GOST in the Soviet Union there were 2 groups of gherkins:

• 5-7 cm,
• 7-9 cm.

All the fruits of cucumbers, which were smaller in size, are called pickles. Today, gherkins are called cucumbers from 5 to 9 cm, which break down soon after the flowering begins. Collect such cucumbers only from narrow-fruited varieties, not allowing them to grow. However, experts do not call such a harvest gherkins, noting that this is a special subspecies of cucumber. Plants of any sort are not suitable for this.

Varieties of gherkins

Cucumbers gherkins are presented in different varieties, it's simply impossible to mention all of them. Experienced truck farmers easily select for themselves loved ones, which are used much more often than others. If you are just going to grow cucumbers gherkins, varieties that are considered the most popular, will perfectly suit you. By dropping several options, you can easily decide which one they like best.

The most popular are such varieties:

• The Paris cornet . This sort of medium-ripened cucumbers, according to experienced truck farmers, is excellent for open ground. Recommended for use in greenhouses (film). It is a 5-10-centimeter large-bunched fruit of a deep dark green color. Ideal for use in conservation.
• Merry company . A self-pollinating variety of small cucumbers is suitable for growing both outdoors and in greenhouses. Green fruits reach 7-9 cm in length. This grade is good in that it easily resists many diseases and putrefaction of the root.
• The prima donna . The popularity of cucumber is largely due to the speed of maturation and high productivity. At the peak of fruiting grow fruits, the length of which is 9.5-11 cm. The excellent taste qualities of the presented variety are also appreciated.
• Moravian cornichlor F1 . Pollinated bees variety, which is suitable for planting exclusively on open beds. The fruits are crispy and short, versatile in use.

Gherkins, photos of different varieties which are familiar to many farmers, are displayed tirelessly by breeders. The above are just a small fraction of the whole picture, a variegated variety.

Growing gherkins

If you were engaged in the cultivation of simple cucumbers, then nothing complicated in the farming of gherkins for you will not. You can plant small cucumbers in different conditions. For this, both greenhouses and open beds are suitable.

Growing gherkins, photos of which are presented in the article, it is very important to collect fruits on a regular basis. It is recommended to do this every day. The most delicious cucumbers are those whose length does not exceed 8 cm. By the way, frequent collection of fruits stimulates the formation of new inflorescences. For inexperienced summer residents, who only occasionally go to the garden, it will be impossible. In their case, for the production of gherkins, it is necessary to plant mini-varieties, and also to accept a low yield.

Gherkins are fruits that can be planted on the soil with an acidity level of 6.0-7.5. It should be ensured that the soil is light and loose. Preliminary it is recommended to fertilize the earth with organic substances in order to guarantee the maximum yield.

Sowing gherkins for sprouts

Seeds of gherkins can be sown for seedlings. Thanks to this method it will be possible to accelerate the time of harvesting by about 2-3 weeks. It is important to monitor the temperature of the soil, which should not be below 12 degrees, as the gherkins are very sensitive to cold plants. If such a simple condition is not met, it is worth preparing for the fact that in the end they will be weak and prone to various diseases. By the way, you can also open the soil by covering it with a film beforehand.

Seedlings can be planted only in warm soil. With regard to the density of planting, it is worth adhering to the recommendations that are prescribed on a bag of seeds. Seedlings in the open ground can be planted in the period from May 20 to June 1. However, it is necessary to take into account weather conditions, to which cucumbers gherkins are very sensitive.

How to pick the gherkins correctly

Gherkins are the same cucumbers, only small, so the conditions for their planting and stalling are not much different from large fruits.

Harvest is collected continuously. Because of this, you need to carefully consider the feeding and watering of plants. Getting moisture from the soil is a guarantee that the crop will be given permanently. It is recommended to water the gherkins with warm water, in fact, just like simple cucumbers. Torn fruits should be immediately sent to a cold place, so that they remain crisp.

Recipe for pickled gherkins

The most delicious are pickled and canned cucumbers. There are a lot of good recipes, it is important only to choose according to your taste.

Marinated small cucumbers - the most delicious, which will certainly appreciate the whole of your family. The first step is to prepare a marinade, which will be required (the amount is calculated based on the amount of a liter bank):

• 2 tsp. Salts;
• 20 tsp. Sahara;
• 70 g of 9% vinegar;
• On 10 peas of sweet and black pepper;
• 3 buds of a carnation;
• 2 bay leaves.

The necessary amount of cucumbers must be soaked in water for 6 hours. The only exception is freshly cut gherkins, which are not required to soak. Then you need to put the fruits in two cans of 0.5 liters. The next stage - pour 2 times with boiling water and the last time - with a boiling marinade. We roll up the bank and cover it with a towel. Bon Appetit!