Boston Pickling Cucumber is a classic heirloom variety known for its crisp texture, short uniform fruits, and perfect size for pickling. Fast-growing and highly productive, it’s a favorite among home gardeners and canning enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts

• Botanical name: Cucumis sativus

• Common name: Boston Pickling Cucumber

• Plant type: Warm-season annual vegetable

• Days to maturity: 50–60 days

• Fruit size: 3–6 inches long

• Sun exposure: Full sun (6–8 hours/day)

• Hardiness zones: USDA 3–11 (as annual)

• Spacing: 12 inches apart (bush), 2–3 feet apart (vining)

When to Plant

• Outdoors: Sow directly in the garden after soil warms to 65°F (18°C) and all danger of frost has passed.

• Indoors: Start seeds 3–4 weeks before transplanting, but handle carefully — cucumbers dislike root disturbance.

• Succession planting: Every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvests.

• Germination time: 5–10 days at 70–90°F (21–32°C)

How to Plant

1. Soil preparation: Rich, well-drained soil with compost or aged manure. Ideal pH: 6.0–6.8.

2. Sowing depth: 1 inch deep.

3. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid getting leaves wet to reduce disease.

4. Support: Grow on a trellis to save space and improve air circulation (optional but recommended).

Growing Tips

• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Avoid planting near potatoes or aromatic herbs like sage.

• Monitor for cucumber beetles and powdery mildew — plant disease-resistant varieties or use row covers early.

• Fertilize lightly after fruit set with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer.

Harvesting

• Pick when fruits are 3–6 inches long for best texture and flavor.

• Harvest every 1–2 days to encourage continued production.

• Overripe cucumbers left on the vine slow plant productivity.

Culinary Use

• Best for pickling: bread-and-butter, dill, or fermented pickles.

• Also great fresh in salads or as crunchy snacks.

• Firm flesh and thin skin = ideal pickling texture.

Companion Plants

Good companions include beans, peas, corn, sunflowers, and lettuce. Avoid planting with potatoes or strong aromatic herbs.

Why Grow Boston Pickling Cucumber?

Boston Pickling Cucumbers are a must-have for anyone interested in home canning or making crispy, homemade pickles. This heirloom variety is easy to grow, fast to mature, and provides a reliable, abundant harvest in just a few weeks.