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

National Pickling cucumbers are an heirloom variety bred specifically for making pickles, though they’re also great for fresh eating. This variety produces short, blocky cucumbers with tender skin and firm flesh—perfect for creating crispy, crunchy pickles. National Pickling cucumbers are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and uniform size, making them a favorite among home gardeners.

In this guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know to grow National Pickling cucumbers, including planting instructions, care tips, and pest management strategies. Whether you’re growing them for pickling or fresh eating, this variety will be a fantastic addition to your garden.

Key Facts About National Pickling Cucumber

Type: Pickling cucumber
Size: 3-5 inches long
Shape: Short, blocky, uniform
Color: Dark green with smooth skin
Taste: Crisp, mild, and firm
Days to maturity: 50-55 days
Growth habit: Vining
Best for: Pickling, fresh eating, and salads

Why Choose National Pickling Cucumbers?

National Pickling cucumbers were developed by the National Pickle Packers Association for commercial pickle production, but they are perfect for home gardeners too. Their small, uniform size makes them ideal for creating dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or other preserved treats. Additionally, they have a firm texture that holds up well during the pickling process, ensuring crispy, crunchy results.

This variety is also highly productive and resistant to common cucumber diseases like downy mildew, making it a reliable choice for gardeners looking to maximize their harvest.

Growing National Pickling Cucumbers

1. Choosing the Right Location

Like other cucumber varieties, National Pickling cucumbers thrive in warm, sunny conditions. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

Soil Requirements:

Cucumbers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and drainage.

2. Planting National Pickling Cucumbers

You can either start National Pickling seeds indoors or sow them directly into the garden once the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F (21°C).

Starting Indoors:

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep in small pots or seed trays.
Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (70-75°F) to promote germination.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 2-3 true leaves and after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing:

Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them 12 inches apart in rows that are spaced 3 feet apart.
Water thoroughly after planting to encourage seed germination.

3. Caring for National Pickling Cucumbers

National Pickling cucumbers grow quickly and produce high yields with the proper care. Here’s how to ensure your plants thrive:

Watering:

Cucumbers need consistent moisture to prevent bitterness and ensure tender, firm fruit. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
Water early in the morning and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal.

Fertilizing:

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

Trellising:

Although National Pickling cucumbers can be grown on the ground, using a trellis or other vertical support is recommended to keep the plants off the soil, improve air circulation, and make harvesting easier.
Trellising also helps prevent fruit rot and pest issues by keeping the cucumbers clean.

Mulching:

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings work well.

4. Pest and Disease Management

National Pickling cucumbers are resistant to several common cucumber diseases, including downy mildew. However, you should still monitor for pests and take preventive measures.

Common Pests:

Aphids: These small insects can weaken plants by sucking sap from the leaves. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
Cucumber beetles: Cucumber beetles can spread bacterial wilt and damage the plants. Use row covers to protect young plants or apply neem oil to deter beetles.
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause leaves to yellow and become speckled. Keep the plants well-watered and use neem oil to prevent infestations.

Common Diseases:

Downy mildew: Although resistant, downy mildew can still appear in very humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk.
Powdery mildew: This disease can cause white, powdery spots on the leaves. To prevent it, water at the base of the plants and remove any infected leaves promptly.

5. Harvesting National Pickling Cucumbers

National Pickling cucumbers are typically ready to harvest 50-55 days after planting. For the best texture and flavor, harvest the cucumbers when they are 3-5 inches long and still firm.

Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the cucumbers from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.
Check your plants daily, as cucumbers grow quickly and can become overripe if not harvested promptly.

Harvesting Tips:

Pick cucumbers while they are small and firm for the best pickles.
Regular harvesting encourages the plants to produce more fruit, so check your vines often during peak harvest time.

6. Storing National Pickling Cucumbers

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

Store cucumbers in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a paper towel to maintain moisture.
Place them in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

For the best pickles, process the cucumbers as soon as possible after harvesting to preserve their crispness and flavor.

Common Questions and Answers About Growing National Pickling Cucumbers

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

Q: Can National Pickling cucumbers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, National Pickling cucumbers can be grown in large containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb.

Q: How often should I water my National Pickling cucumbers?
A: Water your National Pickling cucumbers consistently, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Water early in the morning, and avoid getting the leaves wet to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Q: Should I trellis my National Pickling cucumbers?
A: Trellising is highly recommended for National Pickling cucumbers. It helps improve air circulation, keeps the fruit clean, and makes harvesting easier.

Q: How can I tell when National Pickling cucumbers are ready to harvest?
A: National Pickling cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are 3-5 inches long and still firm. Harvest them regularly to keep the plant producing more fruit.

Q: What are the common pests that affect National Pickling cucumbers?
A: The most common pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects to manage these pests.

Conclusion

Growing National Pickling cucumbers is an excellent choice for gardeners who love making homemade pickles or who want a high-yielding, disease-resistant cucumber variety. With consistent watering, regular harvesting, and proper pest management, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of crisp, flavorful cucumbers perfect for pickling and fresh eating. Whether you’re growing them in the ground or containers, National Pickling is a reliable and rewarding variety for any gardener.

Learn more about all the different cucumber varieties here