An early ripening and prolific cropping gherkin, producing short, firm fleshed, tasty fruits ideal for pickling, or used in salads. Has both downy and powdery mildew tolerance so the healthy plants produce fruits over a long season.

Sow March-June to grow indoors or April-May for outdoors. Sow seed 13mm (½in) deep in 75cm (3in) pots of good seed compost Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag and place at 21-25C (70-77F) until after germination, which usually takes about 7 days. Can also be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed and all risk of frost has passed, 2cm (¼in) deep 90cm (36in) apart and in rows 90cm (36in) apart.

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out after any risk of frost has passed, 90cm (36in) apart each way. Do not remove the male flowers. Plant in a moist, rich, well drained soil or into Growbags. If growing outdoors allow to trail along the qround or can be supported on netting. If growing under glass ensure no 'all female' varieties being grown to avoid any cross pollination.

Feed with potash fertiliser once fruiting commences.

The best variety for pickling. Proflific cropping season. Grow outdoors or in the greenhouse.