Cucumber Seeds

🥒 Cucumis sativus Cucumber ‘Piccolo di Parigi’ – Traditional French Pickling Cucumber with Crisp Texture

‘Piccolo di Parigi’ is a classic French heirloom cucumber variety prized for its short, cylindrical fruits with dark green skin and crisp, firm flesh. Traditionally grown for pickling and gherkins, it is equally delicious when harvested young for fresh eating. Fast-growing and very productive, this variety produces an abundance of uniform fruits throughout summer and performs well in greenhouses, polytunnels and warm outdoor positions.

Key Features

● Traditional French pickling cucumber variety
● Short, dark green fruits with crisp flesh
● Excellent for gherkins and pickling
● High-yielding and fast-growing plants
● Suitable for greenhouse and outdoor growing

How to Sow & Grow Cucumber ‘Piccolo di Parigi’ (UK)

Sow indoors: IV (April)
Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost
Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) in warm soil
Harvest: VII–IX (July–September)
Life cycle: Annual
Germination temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)
Average germ time: 7–10 days
Depth: 2–3 cm (1 in)
Light required: Yes
Moisture: Regular watering; keep soil evenly moist
Environment: Full sun (warm, sheltered position)
Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Plant spacing: 40–50 cm (16–20 in)
Fruit length: 8–12 cm (3–5 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Harvest fruits young and regularly to encourage continued cropping.
● Feed weekly once flowering begins for best yields.
● Grow vertically with support to save space and improve fruit quality.
● Avoid cold conditions and protect from frost.
● Ideal for traditional homemade pickles and gherkins.

Special Features

● Authentic French pickling cucumber
● Crisp texture and mild flavour
● Heavy cropping throughout summer

Cucumber Gherkin F1 'Santana' – Seeds (Cucumis sativus)

The Cucumber Gherkin F1 'Santana' is a high-performing hybrid variety that produces uniform, dark green, small cucumbers perfect for pickling or fresh consumption. Known for its compact growth and consistent yields, 'Santana' delivers crisp, tender, and flavorful fruits that retain their quality even during storage.

Ideal for home gardeners and commercial growers alike, this variety thrives in both open fields and protected environments like greenhouses. Its vigorous growth and disease resistance make it a reliable choice for a productive season.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – March for early harvest

• Sow outdoors: April – May after last frost

• Plant spacing: 30–40 cm between plants, 100 cm between rows

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost

• Care: Provide support if needed; consistent watering ensures crisp fruits

Key Features

• High-yielding F1 hybrid gherkin

• Uniform, dark green, small cucumbers ideal for pickling

• Crisp, tender, and flavorful fruits

• Vigorous, disease-resistant plants

• Suitable for open field or greenhouse cultivation

Harvest

• Harvesting period: 50–60 days after sowing

• Pick cucumbers regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.

Short Tip

For the best pickling cucumbers, harvest when fruits are 7–10 cm long – small and tender with optimal flavor.