It’s the perfect time to grow cucumbers, especially if you’re a pickle enthusiast. Cucumber plants are easy to grow, and the reward is a bountiful harvest. However, not all cucumbers are suitable for pickling. In this article, we will guide you through the best cucumbers to use for pickling and why they are the top choice.
What Makes a Cucumber Good for Pickling?
You might be wondering if any type of cucumber can be pickled. While technically true, certain varieties are better suited for pickling due to their taste and texture. Angela Gerace, an expert pickle maker from The Tipsy Pickle, explains that the best pickling cucumbers have thin skins, firm and dry flesh, and come in smaller sizes.
- Thin skin: The thinner the cucumber skin, the better it absorbs the brine.
- Firm, dry flesh: Pickling cucumbers should have a crisp texture even after soaking in the brine.
- Small size: Cucumbers bred for pickling are shorter and have a squatter shape, making them perfect for packing into jars.
The Best Pickling Cucumber Varieties
Now that you understand the qualities that make a cucumber ideal for pickling, let’s explore some popular pickling cucumber varieties suitable for different garden sizes and growing conditions.
Boston Pickling
- Plant type: Heirloom, vining
- Days to maturity: 55
- Size: 3-inch fruits
- Disease resistance: Downy mildew, powdery mildew, scab, angular leaf spot
- Plant spacing: 12 inches
Boston Pickling is a favorite among gardeners due to its continuous cucumber production throughout the growing season. The firm and crunchy flesh holds the flavors of the brine perfectly.
Bush
- Plant type: Hybrid, bush
- Days to maturity: 50
- Size: 4-5 inch fruits
- Disease resistance: Scab, cucumber mosaic virus
- Plant spacing: 18 inches or 1 plant per container
If you have limited space, the compact Bush variety is perfect for you. Despite its shorter growing season, you can continuously plant more seeds for a continuous harvest.
Calypso
- Plant type: Hybrid, vining
- Days to maturity: 52
- Size: 4-inch fruits, 1 inch in diameter
- Disease resistance: Angular leaf spot, anthracnose, cucumber mosaic virus, powdery mildew, scab
- Plant spacing: 12 inches
Calypso is a high-yielding pickling cucumber known for its disease resistance. Its firm interior makes it great for both fresh eating and pickling. Trellising these plants can make accessibility easier.
H-19 Little Leaf
- Plant type: Nonhybrid, compact, multi-vining
- Days to maturity: 58
- Size: 3-4 inch fruits
- Disease resistance: Angular leaf spot, anthracnose, scab, cucumber mosaic virus, powdery mildew
- Plant spacing: 12 inches
H-19 Little Leaf is an excellent choice for small gardens or containers. Despite its smaller leaves, it produces an abundance of cucumbers from multiple vining branches.
National Pickling
- Plant type: Heirloom, vining
- Days to maturity: 52
- Size: 5-inch fruits
- Disease resistance: Cucumber mosaic virus, scab
- Plant spacing: 8-12 inches
Developed by the National Pickle Packers Association, the National Pickling cucumber variety is known for its abundant production. The short, thick cucumbers are perfect for packing into jars.
Wisconsin SMR 58
- Plant type: Nonhybrid, vining
- Days to maturity: 55-60
- Size: 6-8 inch fruits
- Disease resistance: Scab, cucumber mosaic virus
- Plant spacing: 12-24 inches
Wisconsin SMR 58, bred at the University of Wisconsin, is a favorite of midwestern gardeners and picklers due to its heavy production. Growing these cucumbers on a trellis will yield straight fruits that fit perfectly inside canning jars.
Tips for Picking the Best Pickling Cucumbers
Does it matter what size the cukes are?
When it’s time to pickle, it’s best to select cucumbers of similar size from your harvest. This ensures they brine at the same rate and fit well together in the jars.
When should I pick cucumbers?
Pickling cucumbers should be harvested when they are still small for the best flavor and fit in the jars. Check the maturity size specified on the cucumber seed package and pick them frequently.
Ripe cucumbers are firm with good color. If picked too early, they may not stay firm after brining. On the other hand, overripe cucumbers are bitter and have hard seeds. When in doubt, do a taste test.
What if I’m not a gardener? What should I look for when buying pickling cucumbers?
For the best pickling experience, purchase cucumbers from farmers markets, produce stands, or local farms. These cucumbers are fresher, without the waxy coatings found on shipped cucumbers. They may also be organic and pesticide-free. Make sure to choose pickling cucumbers and not slicers (often labeled as Kirbys in stores). Select cucumbers of the same size, and opt for smaller ones to ensure they’re not bitter.
With this guide and the right pickling cucumber variety, you can enjoy delicious and crunchy homemade pickles. Happy pickling!