Gift Certificates

Seed Types

Vegetable Seeds

Herb Seeds

Flower Seeds

  • product-338

National Pickling Cucumber Seeds

"One of the best non-hybrid pickling cucumbers"

Sun: Full Sun

Days to Maturity: 55 - 60 Days

Length: 4 - 6 Inches

Heirloom: Yes

Packet: 20 Seeds

Price: $2.49

Add to Cart

Summary / History

HEIRLOOM - During the early 1900s, the pickle packing industry had to work with white-spined cucumber varieties that had pointy, tapered ends. The pointy, tapered ends were inefficient for commercial packing, as they wasted valuable jar volume and brine space. The delicate ends were so fragile that they broke off during processing and fermentation. To address these industrial woes, the Association of National Pickle Packers collaborated with researchers to breed an ideal cucumber. The goal was to breed a more uniform, blockier and disease-resistant pickling cucumber that could fit compactly into jars without leaving empty space and stay crisp during the brining and canning process. The National Pickling cucumber was developed in 1929 and was the result of a five-year collaborative effort between the Association of National Pickle Packers and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. It was an immediate success and quickly became the industry standard for commercial growers. During the 1940s, the National Pickling cucumber played a strategic role in World War II; 40% of the entire national pickle production was allocated and rationed directly to the armed forces.

Plant Characteristics

The National Pickling is considered to be the ultimate canning cucumber. The dark green, black-spined cucumbers grow to 4-6 inches long and have thin, tender skins that allow them to easily absorb spices and brine during the canning and pickling process. National Pickling cucumbers were designed to fit perfectly into canning jars, as they are short, blocky and blunt-ended. While primarily used for making dill pickles and gherkins, their mild flavor and crisp, firm flesh also makes them excellent sliced in salads or served on veggie trays. Vigorous, vining plants spread 3-4 feet and can be left to trail on the ground or trellised to save space and grow straighter cucumbers. The highly prolific vines thrive in full sun and rich, moist and well-draining soil while producing a massive harvest all season long. Plants are highly resistant to Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Scab. Ready to harvest in 50-60 days.

    • Quick Facts

    • Botanical Name: Cucumis Sativus


    • Life Cycle: Annual


    • Light Requirement: Full Sun


    • Planting Season: Warm Season


    • Plant Type: Creeping Vine Variety


    • Features: Heirloom, Resistant To (CMV)Cucumber Mosaic Virus And Scab


    • Fruit Size: 4 - 6 Inches Long


    • Days to Maturity: 50 - 60 Days


    • Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches


    • Planting Depth: 1/2 Inch


    • Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow


    • Cold Stratification: No


    • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11


SIGN UP to receive updates and special offers in your inbox!