Gherkin, commonly known as the "mini cucumber," is an annual creeping vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The term "mini" in English means "small," and this name was given to the Dutch cucumber due to its compact size, making it a popular choice for home gardens and commercial farming. This variety typically grows to a length of 14–18 cm, with a diameter of around 3 cm and a weight of approximately 100 grams. Its skin is soft, smooth, and uniformly colored, while the flesh is crisp and rich in flavor, offering both culinary appeal and high economic value.
Dutch cucumbers are predominantly female, which allows them to produce fruit without pollination or fertilization—though they do not develop fully mature seeds. This characteristic makes them ideal for greenhouse cultivation, where controlled conditions can optimize yield. Female varieties offer consistent maturity and higher early yields, making them a preferred choice among growers. With proper management, these plants have significant potential for high productivity, with a single harvest per 667 square meters reaching over 10,000 kg. Growers can achieve 2–3 harvests in a year, maximizing their output.
Popular domestic cultivars include DELTASTAR F1, HENDER F1, MK160 F1, and SIGMAF1, each known for its specific traits such as disease resistance, yield, and fruit quality.
**Nursery Preparation**
Cucumber seeds are relatively expensive, so precision seeding using trays or nutrient blocks is recommended to ensure efficient use. Dutch cucumbers require warm conditions for germination, ideally between 24–26°C. At this temperature, germination occurs quickly, but the seedlings may become leggy. Lower temperatures slow down growth and can lead to poor germination. Seedlings usually emerge within 4 days. After emergence, maintaining daytime temperatures of 23–25°C and nighttime temperatures of 16–18°C helps promote healthy growth. Cucumber roots are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and require well-aerated soil. A suitable growing medium includes peat, vermiculite, perlite, or cocoa coir, which provide good drainage and moisture retention.
**Planting**
Soil preparation is crucial for successful cultivation. Dutch cucumbers thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, apply a generous amount of compost—over 5,000 kg per 667 square meters—and mix in some compound fertilizer. Raised beds, approximately 1.2 meters wide, are commonly used to improve drainage and root development. Seedlings should be transplanted when they have 2–4 true leaves, around 25 days old. Plant spacing is typically 2,500 plants per 667 square meters. After transplanting, water the seedlings thoroughly to ensure good contact between the roots and the soil, helping them establish quickly.
**Field Management**
After planting, a small watering session is recommended after 3–4 days to help the seedlings adjust. From that point on, regular watering is essential, along with applying 10 kg of urea every 5–7 days. During the fruiting stage, spraying with 0.2%–0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate once a week can enhance fruit quality. Maintain air humidity around 80% to support plant health.
Temperature control is also important. In the first week after planting, keep daytime temperatures between 25–30°C and nighttime temperatures between 18–20°C. Once the seedlings are established, gradually reduce the temperature to 22–25°C during the day and 16–18°C at night.
Dutch cucumbers tolerate low light conditions, making them suitable for winter cultivation. However, in summer, when light intensity is high, shading nets are recommended to prevent heat stress. Additionally, supplementing carbon dioxide in greenhouses can boost production by up to 20%, as increasing COâ‚‚ levels to 750 mg/kg enhances photosynthesis and growth.
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