Organic 'National Pickling' Gherkin Cucumber

Common name National Pickling Cucumber
Latin name Cucumis sativus 'National Pickling'
Quantity per packet Approximately 60 seeds

Organic National Pickling Cucumber provides generous harvests of crisp fruits perfect for homemade pickles. Its vigorous growth and dependable productivity make it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameNational Pickling Cucumber
Latin nameCucumis sativus 'National Pickling'
FamilyCucurbitaceae
TypeVegetable
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packApproximately 60 seeds
Code produitBIOVO-0031
Product
description

Organic National Pickling Cucumber (Cucumis sativus ‘National Pickling’) is a classic, productive variety known for its firm, crisp green fruits, perfectly suited to homemade pickles. This vigorous annual plant forms long vines with abundant foliage, quickly adding a lush presence to the vegetable garden. Its yellow summer flowers attract bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators, essential for regular, well-developed fruits. Harvested young, the cucumbers offer a tender, flavorful texture ideal for pickles, preserves, or fresh salads.

This cucumber grows best in full sun and rich, cool, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Direct sow once the soil has thoroughly warmed and all risk of frost has passed. It benefits from deep, regular watering to maintain even moisture, which helps prevent bitterness in the fruits. Mulch keeps the soil cool, while compost supports generous production. Growing on a trellis is especially practical, improving air circulation, making harvest easier, and keeping fruits cleaner.

Ideal for family vegetable gardens, food gardens, and sunny small spaces, Organic National Pickling Cucumber provides abundant harvests throughout summer. Its fruits are excellent for crisp pickles, brines, preserves, and fresh vegetable platters. Frequent picking encourages new fruit formation and extends plant productivity. Grown with Garlic, Basil, Beans, or Corn, it fits naturally into a diverse vegetable garden. Its generous flowering also helps support pollinators and overall garden vitality.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodMay to June, direct sowing
Best time
May to June
Sowing depth2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in)
Germination temperature21 to 30 °C (70 to 86 °F)
Germination time5 to 10 days
Propagation
Propagated exclusively by seed. Seeds can be saved from fully mature fruits when proper isolation distances are maintained.
Growing
method
Direct sow once the soil has thoroughly warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) deep in rich, cool, well-drained soil. Choose a full-sun location for vigorous growth and abundant production. Maintain even soil moisture throughout the season to produce tender, uniform fruits. Growing plants on a trellis makes harvesting easier and improves fruit quality. Harvest frequently to encourage continuous fruit production.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun
Soil
Rich, cool, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Fertile soil encourages vigorous growth and abundant production of crisp cucumbers.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Cucumbers prefer consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Deep, regular watering encourages tender, crisp, non-bitter fruits.
Fertilization
Cucumbers benefit from generous applications of compost before sowing. A balanced organic fertilizer rich in organic matter supports vigorous growth and continuous fruit production.
Care levelModerate
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture and prevent bitter fruits. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest cucumbers frequently to encourage continuous flowering and fruit production. Remove diseased leaves if necessary to improve air circulation. A mid-season application of compost can help sustain heavy yields.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
Organic National Pickling Cucumber grows very well in a large container with excellent drainage and rich growing mix. A trellis or support helps keep vines off the ground, improves air circulation, and produces cleaner, straighter fruits. Water consistently throughout the season to maintain vigorous growth and prevent bitterness. This variety is an excellent choice for sunny balconies and compact urban vegetable gardens.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
This variety produces abundant small, firm cucumbers specifically suited to pickling. Its exceptional productivity makes it a favorite for homemade preserves.
Organic National Pickling Cucumber provides generous harvests of crisp fruits perfect for homemade pickles. Its vigorous growth and dependable productivity make it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Garden use
Organic National Pickling Cucumber is ideal for family vegetable gardens, food gardens, and trellised plantings. Its climbing habit maximizes growing space while producing abundant cucumbers for homemade pickles. Its abundant flowers also attract pollinators, making it a valuable addition to productive organic gardens.
Bloom period
Abundant yellow flowers bloom throughout summer and attract a large population of pollinators. Good pollination is essential for producing uniform, well-shaped fruits.
Flower colorYellow
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
The first cucumbers are ready about 55 days after sowing. Harvest young fruits frequently for the best pickling quality and to encourage continuous production.
Fruiting
Green fruits ideal for pickling and preserves
Wildlife appealBees and pollinators
Size
and facts
Height1.5 to 2 m (5 to 6.5 ft)
Spread90 cm (36 in)
Growth rateModerate
Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Garlic, basil, bean, corn
Avoid planting with
Potato, sage
Recipe
and inspiration
National Pickling Cucumber is famous for producing crisp, flavorful homemade pickles. Young fruits can be harvested early for traditional pickling or allowed to grow slightly larger for fresh eating. They are excellent in salads, vegetable platters, and artisan preserves. Their firm flesh retains outstanding texture after pickling.
Frequently asked questions
This classic variety is renowned for producing abundant, uniform cucumbers with exceptional texture for homemade pickles and preserves.
Harvest fruits while they are still young and the desired size for pickling. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production throughout the season.
Yes. Vertical growing improves air circulation, simplifies harvesting, and helps produce cleaner, more uniform cucumbers.
Yes. Although primarily grown for pickling, the fruits are also delicious fresh thanks to their crisp texture and mild flavor.
Yes. These certified organic, open-pollinated seeds are ideal for ecological gardening and can be saved when proper isolation distances are maintained.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.