West Indian Gherkin

The 'gerki'n, which bears many small, cucumber-like fruits covered in blunt spines, was a common crop in the Monticello vegetable garden. Thomas Jefferson recommended it to his brother, Randolph, in 1813: "the season being over for planting everything but the Gerkin. It is that by which we distinguish the very small pickling cucumber." This was likely the West Indian Gherkin (Cucumis anguria), a native of Africa brought to the Caribbean through the slave trade, then reputedly introduced from Jamaica in 1792 by Richmond seed merchant Minton Collins. This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, and personal correspondence.

In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.