Pickling Cucumber Vorgebirgstrauben [Cucumis sativus]

The annual pickling cucumber 'Vorgebirgstrauben' is a mixed flowering, dioecious outdoor cucumber variety with the well-known and popular cucumber aroma. 7-9 cm short fruits, ideal for pickling as gherkins. Ideal for direct sowing or for pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fruits.

 Description 
The pickling cucumber 'Vorgebirgstrauben' is a mixed-flowering old, annual and early cucumber variety with dioecious growth. The wild form of the cucumber [Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii] was cultivated in northern India 4000 years ago. The robust plant produces many small, 7-9 cm short, dark green cucumbers that can be harvested continuously. They hang on the plant like grapes, which is what gave the variety its name. The small fruits are ideal for pickling as gherkins, while larger fruits are good as mustard pickles. The taste is juicy and mild with the well-known cucumber aroma. The variety can be cultivated climbing or creeping.

 General information 
Plant family: Cucurbitaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 70 days
Plant height approx.: 250 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to 5°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 6-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x80 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 6-8 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Beans, Dill, Garlic, Cabbage, Corn, Pepper, Lettuce, Celery, Spinach, Onions, Peas, Beetroot, Leek, Basil, Cumin
Unfavorable mixed culture: Radish, Horseradish, Zucchini, Tomato, Eggplant, Physalis, Potato

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is possible at an ambient temperature of at least 12°C. Pre-cultivation from February to September is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sheltered from the wind, warm and sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing is possible at an ambient temperature of at least 12°C. Pre-cultivation from March to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sheltered from the wind, warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
The optimal time for germinating cucumbers is at an average night temperature of 12°C. Direct sowing in rows is possible. Pre-cultivation followed by planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds directly into small pots or seed trays and plant them directly into the prepared bed when the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons appear, or when the root ball is sufficiently rooted. The soil for cucumbers should be nutrient-rich, rich in humus, loose, and well-drained. Heavy and cold clay soils or soils with a high salt content are less suitable. To ensure good soil moisture and temperature, we recommend covering the soil with mulch.
Pickling cucumber 'Vorgebirgstraube' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Because of the risk of fungal infections during the winter, we recommend sowing twice a year, in spring and summer. Cucumber plants are generally cultivated with 2 or 3 shoots. Since the fruit is mainly formed on the side shoots, these should not be pruned; only cut off after the fruit. Later, the side shoots should be guided up without being cut. A framework for tying the cucumber shoots with tomato hooks is recommended. Sufficient and even watering is necessary and has a positive effect on the quality of the fruit. At temperatures below 10°C, the plant reduces its growth. Regular harvesting increases the yield. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds and cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich and constantly moist soil is fundamentally important for growth and quality fruit formation. Depending on the nature of the soil, nitrogen-rich fertilization is recommended after 8 weeks, and potassium-rich fertilization after about 10 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Cucumis sativus
English names: Cucumber, Pickling cucumber 
German names: Gurke, Einlegegurke, Gewürzgurke, Gurkerl
Portuguese names: Pepino, Pepino em conserva
Spanish names: Pepino encurtido, Pepino en vinagre
French names: Concombre mariné, Concombre au vinaigre

 Origin 
Country: Germany