How to Grow Boston Pickling Cucumbers: Facts, Information, Tips, and Advice

Boston Pickling cucumbers are a classic variety beloved by home gardeners for their small size, tender texture, and ideal shape for making pickles. With a crisp crunch and mild flavor, these cucumbers are perfect for pickling, but they’re also delicious when eaten fresh. This fast-growing, high-yielding variety is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys preserving their harvest.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to grow Boston Pickling cucumbers successfully, including planting tips, care advice, and solutions to common gardening issues. By the end, you’ll be ready to grow your own bumper crop of cucumbers perfect for pickling.

Key Facts About Boston Pickling Cucumber

Type: Pickling cucumber
Size: 3-6 inches long
Shape: Short and blocky with smooth, dark green skin
Taste: Crisp, mild, and tender
Days to maturity: 50-55 days
Growth habit: Vining
Best for: Pickling, fresh eating, and salads

Why Choose Boston Pickling Cucumbers?

Boston Pickling cucumbers are prized for their high productivity and disease resistance, making them a reliable choice for home gardeners. They produce an abundance of small cucumbers that are ideal for making pickles, including dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, and cornichons. Their tender skin and crisp flesh also make them great for snacking or adding to salads.

The short growing time (about 50 days) makes this variety a good option if you’re looking for a quick harvest, and the cucumbers themselves have a firm texture that holds up well during the pickling process.

Growing Boston Pickling Cucumbers

1. Choosing the Right Location

Like most cucumbers, Boston Pickling cucumbers thrive in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They prefer warm weather and won’t tolerate frost, so wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F (21°C) before planting.

Soil Requirements:

Boston Pickling cucumbers grow best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.

2. Planting Boston Pickling Cucumbers

You can either start Boston Pickling seeds indoors or sow them directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.

Starting Indoors:

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in your area.
Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep in biodegradable pots or seed trays.
Keep the soil moist and warm, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), to promote good germination.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they are about 3-4 inches tall and after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing:

Sow seeds directly into the garden after the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart in rows that are spaced 3-4 feet apart.
Water thoroughly after planting to encourage germination.

3. Caring for Boston Pickling Cucumbers

Once planted, Boston Pickling cucumbers are relatively easy to care for. Here are some essential tips to ensure a healthy, productive crop:

Watering:

Cucumbers need consistent watering to avoid bitterness and ensure crisp, tender fruit. Aim to provide 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.
Water at the base of the plants early in the morning to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Fertilizing:

Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
Side-dress the plants with compost or fertilizer once they begin to flower and produce fruit to encourage continued growth.

Trellising:

While Boston Pickling cucumbers can grow on the ground, providing a trellis or support will help keep the fruit clean, improve air circulation, and make harvesting easier.
Trellising also saves space in the garden and reduces the risk of diseases by keeping the plants off the soil.

Mulching:

Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, is ideal.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Boston Pickling cucumbers are relatively resistant to many common cucumber diseases, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for pests and other potential problems.

Common Pests:

Cucumber beetles: These pests can damage the leaves and spread bacterial wilt. Use row covers to protect young plants and apply neem oil to deter beetles.
Aphids: Aphids can weaken plants by sucking sap from the leaves. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to become stippled and discolored. Regular watering and neem oil can help prevent and treat spider mite damage.

Common Diseases:

Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes white, powdery spots on leaves. Avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation to reduce the risk. Remove any infected leaves immediately.
Downy mildew: A fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to yellow and die. Plant cucumbers in well-drained soil and avoid overcrowding to promote good airflow.

5. Harvesting Boston Pickling Cucumbers

Boston Pickling cucumbers are typically ready to harvest 50-55 days after planting. The key to harvesting pickling cucumbers is to pick them early and often.

Harvest cucumbers when they are 3-6 inches long for the best flavor and texture. The smaller the cucumber, the crisper it will be.
Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the cucumbers from the vine, leaving a small section of the stem attached.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit, so check your plants daily during the growing season.

6. Storing Boston Pickling Cucumbers

Freshly harvested Boston Pickling cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. To keep them fresh:

Store the cucumbers in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a paper towel to maintain moisture levels.
Place them in the vegetable crisper drawer to prolong their freshness.

If you plan to pickle your cucumbers, it’s best to process them within a few days of harvesting to ensure maximum crispness and flavor.

Common Questions and Answers About Growing Boston Pickling Cucumbers

Q: How long does it take for Boston Pickling cucumbers to mature?
A: Boston Pickling cucumbers typically take 50-55 days to mature from seed.

Q: Can Boston Pickling cucumbers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Boston Pickling cucumbers can be grown in containers, but make sure to use a large pot (at least 12 inches deep) and provide a trellis or support for the vines.

Q: How often should I water my Boston Pickling cucumbers?
A: Cucumbers need consistent moisture, so aim to water deeply 1-2 times per week, providing 1-2 inches of water each time. Water early in the morning and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease.

Q: What are the common pests that affect Boston Pickling cucumbers?
A: The most common pests include cucumber beetles, aphids, and spider mites. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control these pests.

Q: Should I trellis my Boston Pickling cucumbers?
A: Trellising is recommended, though not required. Trellising helps improve air circulation, keeps the fruit clean, and makes harvesting easier. It also reduces the risk of pests and diseases by keeping the plants off the ground.

Q: How can I tell when my cucumbers are ready to harvest?
A: Boston Pickling cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are 3-6 inches long and still firm. Check your plants daily, as cucumbers can grow quickly and become overripe if not picked promptly.

Conclusion

Boston Pickling cucumbers are a fantastic variety for gardeners who enjoy making homemade pickles or want a productive, easy-to-grow cucumber for fresh eating. With proper care, including consistent watering, regular harvesting, and pest management, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of crisp, flavorful cucumbers perfect for pickling. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, Boston Pickling is a reliable and rewarding variety to grow.

Learn more about all the different cucumber varieties here