High-Yield, Crisp Variety Perfect for Pickling
Cucumber ‘National Pickling’ is the gold standard for home and commercial pickling, offering exceptional yields and reliably crisp, delicious fruit. Ready to harvest in just 52 days, this heirloom variety was developed by the National Pickle Packers Association and Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station specifically to meet the needs of pickle producers. The result: blunt, thick cucumbers up to 6 inches long that fill jars perfectly, with only slightly tapered ends and a dark green, tender, thin skin.
Whether you’re making classic dill pickles, gherkins, or enjoying them fresh, ‘National Pickling’ cucumbers stand out for their dense, crunchy flesh, small seed cavity, and outstanding flavor. These cukes are delicious at every stage-pick them small for crisp gherkins or let them mature for slicing and salads. Their thin, wax-free skin absorbs brine beautifully, ensuring every batch of pickles is flavorful and crunchy. With good resistance to scab and cucumber mosaic virus, they’re a dependable choice for gardeners and picklers alike.
‘National Pickling’ grows on vigorous, medium vines that reach 12–18″ in height and can spread up to 3–4 feet. Direct sow seeds in full sun after the danger of frost has passed, spacing plants 3 feet apart for optimal airflow and productivity. These cucumbers thrive in well-drained, organically rich soil with consistent moisture. Harvest regularly at 2–3″ for gherkins or 4–6″ for full-sized pickles and fresh eating. Frequent picking encourages even more fruit production throughout the season.
Growing Success Tips:
- Direct sow in full sun after the last frost; cucumbers dislike transplanting
- Provide a sturdy trellis or support to keep vines off the ground, reduce disease, and ease harvesting
- Water regularly and deeply, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Harvest frequently to maximize yields and maintain crispness in every fruit
Cucumber ‘National Pickling’ is the trusted favorite for gardeners seeking prolific, disease-resistant vines and top-quality pickling cucumbers. Its crisp texture, dependable yields, and classic flavor make it a must-have for every vegetable patch and pickling project.
For the crunchiest pickles, harvest cucumbers early in the morning and process or refrigerate them right away.
Product Features
- Days to Harvest: 52 from sowing
- Fruit Size: 2–6″ long, blunt, thick, dark green with black spines
- Plant Height: 12–18″; medium, vigorous vines
- Disease Resistance: Scab, cucumber mosaic virus
- Heirloom, open-pollinated, developed for pickling
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–6.8
- Spacing: 3′ between plants for best productivity
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist; mulch to retain moisture
- Support: Trellis or fence recommended for cleaner, healthier fruit
Key Benefits
- High yields of crisp, flavorful cucumbers ideal for pickling and fresh eating
- Thin, tender skin and small seed cavity for superior crunch and brine absorption
- Disease resistance ensures reliable harvests all season
- Developed specifically for perfect pickles-fills jars beautifully with minimal waste
