Cucumber - National Pickling

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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per item
Approximately 40 seeds per gram.
Cucumis sativus
Lot# CU24620
National Pickling Cucumbers are likely the most widely used pickling cucumbers. The plants are very prolific, producing dark green, 12-15 cm (5-6”) cylindrical fruits that have dark green with black spines, these cucumbers are delicious at any age.  Harvest at 5-7.5 cm (2-3”) for gherkins. Mature cucumbers can weigh as much as 0.4-0.6 kg each, roughly (1¼ pounds on average). They deliver heavy yields all season and have a good resistance to the cucumber mosaic virus. Plants can reach 91-122 cm (3-4’) climbing on trellis supports. Very dependable at producing prolific crops.  When mature, the plant height reaches around 30 cm, (12") without trellis and have vines that reach up to 91-122 cm (3-4’).  National Pickling cucumber has a climbing growth habit.   Makes a great slicing cucumber or  are delicious when eaten fresh.
 Planting Instructions:
  • Direct sow 3-6 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1") deep in hills. Space hills 1.2-1.5 m (4-5') apart each way and thin to the strongest 3 seedlings per hill. If rows are preferred direct sow 3-6 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1") deep, 20-30 cm (9-12”) apart in rows 90 cm (36") apart and thin to strongest plant every 30 cm (12”).  Use a trellis if available as cucumbers like to climb.  For transplants, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last spring frost, placing 3-4 seeds 12 mm (1/2") deep in fair sized pots. Keep the temperature at least 21-26˚C (70-80˚ F).  When two or three leaves appear on each plant, cut off all but the strongest plant with scissors. Before planting them in the garden, "harden" the seedlings by setting them outside during the day for an hour and longer each day afterwards. They should be planted no sooner than a week after the last spring frost, when the air temperatures consistently average 18-24˚C (65-75˚F).  Transplant to hills or rows and install trellis if available.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. 
  • Planting Depth:  12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1") deep.
  • Germination:  7-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  Vining type with a climbing habit.  We use trellis supports but they are not required. National Pickling cucumbers will grow to about 30 cm (12”) high without trellis support and spread about 1 m (36”) on vines on the ground.
  • Days to Maturity:   52-65 days for maturity from transplants.  
  • Watering: 2.5 cm (1") of water a week ensures good growth, whether plants are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden.   Keep soil consistently moist.  Inadequate or inconsistent watering may cause irregular growth and you may end up with oddly shaped cucumbers.  We utilize drip irrigation to keep leaves dry and slow disease development.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  30-45 cm (12-18") between plants rows that are 121-152 cm (4-5’) apart.
Additional Information
Cucumbers love heat and cannot endure even a light frost.  If cold temperatures threaten, cover the seedlings. Since cucumbers love to climb, providing a trellis will save space in your garden and produce straighter cucumbers that are easier to pick; however, the vines will simply spread out over the ground if no trellis is provided. Some gardeners use a planting technique called the “3 sisters”, where they plant cucumbers or squash and climbing beans with corn, since the 3 plants types will benefit each other and the cucumber, squash and beans will climb the corn. Planting several radishes with cucumbers seems to repel damaging cucumber beetles.  Cucumbers do not like being planted near potatoes or aromatic herbs.