Parisian Pickling Cucumber is a storied heirloom variety that has been perfecting the art of the pickle since its introduction to American gardeners in 1892. This French gherkin or cornichon cucumber grows compact vines that produce an abundance of small, tender fruit just 2 to 4 inches long, ready to harvest in a swift 50 to 60 days. Cold hardy in zones 4 through 12, it thrives in full sun and moderate moisture, making it accessible to gardeners across most of North America.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-12
4in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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A French heirloom that arrived in America over 130 years ago, Parisian Pickling earned its reputation by delivering reliably productive vines and picture-perfect tiny cucumbers suited to both whole pickles and sliced preparations. The fruits mature quickly, within 50 to 60 days, and the compact plant spacing of just 12 inches makes efficient use of garden space. Generations of gardeners have returned to this variety precisely because it produces the tender, flavorful cucumbers that transform into the sweetest, most delicate pickles.
Parisian Pickling excels at producing the small, tender cucumbers prized for whole-fruit pickling, particularly the sweet or dill pickle preparations that showcase the variety's delicate flavor. The 2 to 4 inch fruits can also be sliced for relishes or added whole to mixed vegetable preserves. Its productivity and predictable maturity make it equally valuable for the gardener who wants to preserve a season's abundance or simply enjoy fresh sliced cucumbers at their most tender stage.
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Sow seeds directly into the garden at a depth of 1/2 inch, spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart once seedlings emerge. Direct sowing works best in areas where soil has warmed to 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination typically occurs within 5 to 14 days under ideal conditions. Plant after the last frost date for your zone, as Parisian Pickling is frost-tender and will not survive cold soil or air temperatures.
Begin harvesting when fruits reach 2 to 4 inches in length, typically 50 to 60 days after planting. Harvest frequently to encourage continued productivity; leaving mature fruits on the vine signals the plant to slow production. Pick cucumbers while they are still firm and tender, before they grow larger or begin to yellow. Regular harvest every 2 to 3 days will keep the vines producing abundantly throughout the season.
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“This variety traces its lineage directly to France, where the gherkin or cornichon cucumber became a celebrated pickling staple. It arrived in America through the seed catalogs of J.H. Gregory, a pioneering American seedsman who listed Parisian Pickling in 1892. Gregory's decision to offer this French cultivar reflected the growing American appetite for refined pickling traditions and European horticultural excellence. The fact that it has survived and remained in continuous cultivation over more than 130 years speaks to its reliability and the devotion of seed savers who understood its unique qualities.”