Classic crunch for homemade pickles!
National Pickling Cucumber is a tried-and-true heirloom that delivers crisp, uniform fruits perfect for pickling jars and garden snacking. With its dependable growth and satisfying crunch, it’s a favorite among home preservers and backyard growers alike.
Variety:Â National Pickling Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Growth Habit: Warm-season annual; vining (4–6 feet)
Flavor Profile:Â Mild, crisp, and slightly tangy
Color:Â Medium green with black spines
Planting Conditions:Â Direct sow in full sun after last frost
Harvest Timeline: Fruits ready in 50–60 days
Uses:Â Pickling, fresh eating, and slicing
Fun Fact: Developed in the 1920s by the National Pickle Packers Association, yes, that’s a real thing!
National Pickling cucumbers are bred for the brine. Their thin skin and firm flesh soak up flavor beautifully, making them ideal for crunchy dill spears, bread-and-butter chips, or spicy garlic pickles. But don’t stop there, slice them fresh into salads or munch them straight from the vine for a refreshing garden snack.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Full sun with fertile, well-drained soil is ideal.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Plant ½ inch deep, spacing seeds 12 inches apart.
💧 Water Regularly: Keep soil moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
🌿 Support and Maintain: Provide a trellis or let vines sprawl naturally.
✂️ Harvest: Pick when fruits are 4–6 inches long and firm, perfect for pickling and snacking.
