Cucumber

Basic Information

Seed Number

11

Seed Name

Cucumber

Variety

National Pickling

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Pickling cucumber

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 7

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 7 – Apr 14

Direct Sow

May 15 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

4 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

4–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

52 days

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

75-90°F

Planting Depth

1/2 in

Plant Spacing

8-12 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

8-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1 in/week; keep soil consistently moist

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Minimum Container Size

5 gal with trellis

Plant Height

Vining; 4-6+ ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

Yes

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors 2–3 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jul 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 50–75 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 5+ gal with trellis
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Succession sow every 2–3 weeks through mid-July.
Zone 6B Notes: Warm soil improves germination. Trellis to save space.
Companion Plants: Dill, beans, peas, corn, radish, nasturtium, marigold, calendula, sunflower
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, aromatic herbs crowded at roots
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after frost once soil is warm. Succession plant early enough that final crops mature before the October 15 frost.
Germination: Best germination occurs in warm soil.
Harvest: Pick frequently at small pickling size for best texture and continued production.
Seed Saving: Allow selected cucumbers to become fully mature beyond eating stage. Isolate from other Cucumis sativus varieties for seed purity.
Special Care: Frequent harvesting is important because pickling cucumbers can size up quickly.
Research Source: High Mowing Organic Seeds — https://www.highmowingseeds.com/organic-non-gmo-national-pickler-cucumber.html — 52-day maturity and pickling cucumber spacing
Research Source: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers — https://www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com/products/cucumber-seeds-national-pickling — germination temperature, sowing depth, light and trellising
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]