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

Parisian Pickling cucumbers are a compact heirloom variety that produces small, crisp cucumbers perfect for making cornichons and other types of pickles. This highly productive cucumber is known for its firm texture and consistent size, making it ideal for pickling. Its compact growth habit makes it a great option for small gardens, raised beds, or container gardening.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow Parisian Pickling cucumbers, from planting to care, pest management, and harvesting. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a plentiful supply of crisp cucumbers perfect for your homemade pickles.

Key Facts About Parisian Pickling Cucumber

Type: Pickling cucumber
Size: 2-4 inches long
Shape: Small, blocky, and uniform
Color: Dark green with firm, bumpy skin
Taste: Crisp and mild
Days to maturity: 50-60 days
Growth habit: Compact/bush variety
Best for: Pickling (cornichons, gherkins) and fresh eating

Why Choose Parisian Pickling Cucumbers?

Parisian Pickling cucumbers are specifically bred for making the traditional French cornichons, a type of small, tart pickle. Their compact size and firm flesh make them ideal for pickling, but they’re also great for fresh eating in salads or as a crunchy snack. This variety is highly productive and grows well in small spaces, making it perfect for those with limited gardening room.

Additionally, Parisian Pickling cucumbers are disease-resistant and require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Growing Parisian Pickling Cucumbers

1. Choosing the Right Location

Like all cucumber varieties, Parisian Pickling cucumbers thrive in full sun. Choose a location in your garden that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

Soil Requirements:

Parisian Pickling cucumbers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.

2. Planting Parisian Pickling Cucumbers

You can start Parisian Pickling cucumber seeds indoors or sow them directly into the garden once the soil has warmed 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 successful germination.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 2-3 true leaves and after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing:

Sow seeds directly into the garden after the soil has warmed up 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 good seed germination.

3. Caring for Parisian Pickling Cucumbers

Once planted, Parisian Pickling cucumbers are relatively low-maintenance but require consistent care to ensure a productive crop.

Watering:

Cucumbers need consistent moisture to produce crisp, tender fruits. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather.
Water early in the morning, and avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for cucumbers.

Fertilizing:

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

Trellising:

Although Parisian Pickling cucumbers are a compact variety and can grow without support, trellising can help improve air circulation, keep the fruit clean, and make harvesting easier.
Trellising also helps save space in small gardens or raised beds.

Mulching:

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

4. Pest and Disease Management

Parisian Pickling cucumbers are fairly resistant to most common cucumber diseases, but it’s still important to monitor for pests and other issues.

Common Pests:

Aphids: These small insects can damage plants by sucking sap from the leaves. Control them with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Cucumber beetles: These beetles can spread diseases like bacterial wilt and damage the leaves. Use row covers to protect young plants or apply neem oil to deter cucumber beetles.
Spider mites: Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and can cause yellowing and speckled leaves. Keep the plants well-watered and use neem oil to manage infestations.

Common Diseases:

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes white, powdery spots on leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation around the plants.
Downy mildew: This disease causes yellow spots on leaves. Plant cucumbers in well-drained soil and avoid overcrowding to reduce the risk of infection.

5. Harvesting Parisian Pickling Cucumbers

Parisian Pickling cucumbers are typically ready to harvest 50-60 days after planting. For the best pickles, harvest the cucumbers when they are 2-4 inches long and still firm.

Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the cucumbers from the vine, leaving a small section of the stem attached.
Regularly harvest cucumbers to encourage the plant to continue producing fruit throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Tips:

Pick cucumbers while they are small and firm for the best pickles. Harvest regularly to prevent the cucumbers from becoming overripe or seedy.
Check your plants daily during the peak growing season, as cucumbers can grow quickly and may become oversized if left on the vine too long.

6. Storing Parisian Pickling Cucumbers

Once harvested, Parisian 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 help retain moisture.
Place the cucumbers in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

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

Common Questions and Answers About Growing Parisian Pickling Cucumbers

Q: How long does it take for Parisian Pickling cucumbers to mature?
A: Parisian Pickling cucumbers typically take 50-60 days to mature from seed.

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

Q: How often should I water my Parisian Pickling cucumbers?
A: Water your cucumbers consistently, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Water early in the morning to prevent fungal diseases and ensure the plants receive enough moisture.

Q: Do Parisian Pickling cucumbers need a trellis?
A: While Parisian Pickling cucumbers are a compact variety and don’t require a trellis, using one can help improve air circulation and keep the fruit clean. Trellising is also beneficial for small-space gardening.

Q: How can I tell when Parisian Pickling cucumbers are ready to harvest?
A: Parisian Pickling cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are 2-4 inches long and still firm. Harvest regularly to keep the plant producing more fruit.

Q: What are the common pests that affect Parisian 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

Parisian Pickling cucumbers are a great choice for gardeners who love making homemade pickles or enjoy small, crisp cucumbers for fresh eating. With their compact growth habit, disease resistance, and high productivity, they are an excellent addition to any garden, even in small spaces. By providing consistent watering, proper care, and regular harvesting, you’ll enjoy an abundant supply of firm, flavorful cucumbers perfect for your next batch of pickles.

Learn more about all the different cucumber varieties here