Cucumber Seeds (Pickling) - National Pickling

Ideal for Crunchy, Crisp Pickles with High Yields

The National Pickling cucumber is a classic variety specifically bred for pickling. Known for its compact size, uniform shape, and firm flesh, this cucumber is a top choice for gardeners looking to make crunchy, flavorful pickles. It produces high-yielding vines and is resistant to disease, making it an easy-to-grow variety for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Key Benefits

• Perfect for Pickling: The small to medium size and firm texture of the National Pickling cucumber make it the perfect variety for making pickles, ensuring they stay crisp and crunchy after processing.
• High Yielding: National Pickling cucumbers are known for their abundant harvests, providing a generous crop throughout the growing season.
• Compact Vines: This variety produces compact, bushy vines, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or container gardening.
• Disease Resistance: Resistant to common cucumber diseases, including powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, and downy mildew, resulting in healthier plants and a more reliable harvest.
• Uniform Fruit: Produces straight, smooth cucumbers that are easy to harvest and process.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Spring: Plant National Pickling cucumber seeds after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C).

Planting Details

• Depth: Plant seeds 1 inch deep in well-prepared soil.
• Spacing: Space the seeds 12 inches apart in rows that are 36-48 inches apart to allow room for the vines to spread.
• Light: Choose a full sun location, as cucumbers require 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to grow best.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Enrich the soil with organic matter for best results.

Watering and Care

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases and water the base of the plants instead.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting, and consider side-dressing with additional compost or fertilizer midway through the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
• Mulching: Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
• Pruning: Prune the plants to remove excess vines and improve air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of disease.

Harvesting

• Maturity: National Pickling cucumbers are typically ready for harvest 50-55 days after planting.
• Harvest Time: For pickling, harvest cucumbers when they are 4-6 inches long, still firm, and before they begin to yellow.
• Regular Harvesting: Harvest cucumbers regularly to ensure continuous production and to prevent over-mature cucumbers that can become bitter or soft.

Uses

• Pickling: This variety is bred specifically for pickling, and its firm flesh makes it perfect for crunchy pickles.
• Canning: Ideal for making dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or sweet pickles at home.
• Fresh Eating: While typically used for pickling, you can also use National Pickling cucumbers in salads or as refreshing snacks.

Coverage

• Packet: A packet of National Pickling cucumber seeds typically covers approximately 50-75 square feet of garden space, depending on your planting configuration.

Why Choose National Pickling Cucumbers?

The National Pickling cucumber is a favorite among gardeners who want to grow cucumbers specifically for pickling. Its compact size, smooth texture, and high yield make it an excellent choice for home canning. With its disease-resistant nature and vigorous growth, it's also a reliable choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you're new to gardening or an experienced grower, this variety guarantees a bountiful harvest of crispy pickles throughout the growing season.