Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58

What Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58 is

Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58 (Cucumis sativus) is an annual vegetable of the Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). This variety was developed at the University of Wisconsin in 1959 .

One of the best gherkin cucumber varieties.

Used for preserving, pickling and fresh eating. The growing period from emergence to harvest is 45-55 days.

It is recommended to grow gherkins in the same place again after 4 years.

The cucumber is the best-loved summer vegetable for salads and pickling. Gherkins are specially selected for preserving — crisp, with firm flesh and a small seed cavity.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 97%
• Seeds per packet: 42–58 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; direct or seedlings
• Harvest: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58

Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58 seeds are sown in April and May. The crop is harvested in July and August. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58

• Sowing method: direct or seedlings
• Depth: 1.5–2 cm
• Spacing: 30–40 cm in the row, 100–120 cm between rows (or on a trellis)
• Germination: 4–8 days at 22–28 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Growing gherkin seedlings takes about three weeks. The optimum temperature during germination is 22°C. Gherkins are very susceptible to cold. They can be sown outdoors and in greenhouses. Warm, well-drained soils rich in organic matter are suitable for growing gherkins. Outdoors in April-May, when the soil has warmed to 10-12 °C. Seeds need 2-3 cm depth, spaced 30-40 cm between plants. Harvest in July-August.

Sow in warm soil, when nights are above 12 °C. Cucumber wants constant moisture — water with warm water without wetting the leaves. Grown on a trellis, it gives more and cleaner fruit.

Harvest and use

Pick often — gherkins at 5–9 cm, salad types at 15–25 cm. Large fruits left on the plant stop new ones from setting.

Frequently asked questions

When should Gherkin Wisconsin SMR 58 be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct or seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 42–58 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 97%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why are cucumbers bitter?

Bitterness (cucurbitacin) appears with uneven watering, cold water and heat. Water regularly with room-temperature water.

When are cucumbers sown?

Directly outdoors from early May to June; for seedlings — from April, 3–4 weeks before planting out.