Alibi Cucumber Seeds

Days to Maturity: 52 to 55

For my time and money, there is no finer cucumber for making sweet gherkins than Alibi. The fruit is absolutely delectable, with a good texture that holds up well for pickling, a perfect shape, and huge yields on space-saving plants.

This fruit reaches 4 inches long if you let it, but it will be more tender and succulent if you pick it much smaller (at about the size of your pinkie). It arises on very compact vines that take up less space in the garden. North Carolina State University performed extensive garden trials on Alibi and found that it scored very well for yields and for various measures of fruit quality. This is a top-notch cuke you won't want to miss.

Direct sow seeds in a sunny spot after all danger of frost is past, or start indoors and transplant when the first true leaf appears. Cucumbers can be allowed to grow on the ground, but for longer, straighter fruit and to save garden space, grow them in a cage or on a trellis, allowing 1 foot between plants. Keep them well watered, and keep the fruits picked promptly.