Variety field guide
What to expect from National Pickling Pickling cucumber Seeds
National Pickling seeds produce green fruit, About 5.5–7 in long, on vining/climbing plants.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
National Pickling seeds produce green fruit, About 5.5–7 in long, on vining/climbing plants. Grow it for fresh eating or pickling, trellised gardens, succession sowing, and summer harvest; Celebrate the timeless reliability of Cucumber Seeds - Vining - National Pickling, a classic American variety developed for its exceptional flavor, uniform shape, and perfect pickling size. National Pickling Cucumber Seeds produce early, high-yielding variety producing uniform, crunchy cucumbers for top-quality pickles.
About National Pickling
National Pickling is an annual pickling cucumber with green color, 49–60 in mature height or spread, and a vining/climbing habit. Harvest form or size: About 5.5–7 in long. Botanically it is Cucumis sativus L. Maturity or first bloom: 50-59 Days; germination: 7-10 Days at 75–90 °F. Best for fresh eating or pickling, trellised gardens, succession sowing, and summer harvest. Celebrate the timeless reliability of Cucumber Seeds - Vining - National Pickling, a classic American variety developed for its exceptional flavor, uniform shape, and perfect pickling size.
History and provenance
The North Carolina State University archive records National Pickling as a Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station cultivar from 1924. The exact identity of the seed lot remains tied to its supplier and lot records, so no additional lineage is assigned beyond the cited record. Growers saving seed should keep the original packet, source, year, and selection notes with the lot. Celebrate the timeless reliability of Cucumber Seeds – Vining – National Pickling, a classic American variety developed for its notable flavor, uniform shape, and well suited pickling size. Trusted by home gardeners and commercial growers alike, this vigorous vining cucumber delivers abundant yields of crisp, tender fruits ideal for both fresh eating and traditional pickling. Its balanced, mildly sweet flavor and consistent shape make it an outstanding choice for dill pickles, bread-and-butter recipes, and fresh salads. Regular watering and consistent moisture encourage straight, flavorful cucumbers all season long.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Cucumis sativus L. |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Maturity / first bloom | 50-59 Days |
| Germination | 7-10 Days at 75–90 °F |
| Seed depth | 1/2 in |
| Plant height / spread | 49–60 in |
| Growth habit | Vining/Climbing |
| Spacing | 12 in between plants; 36 in between rows |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 |
| Water | Moderate |
| Support | Trellis |
Starting National Pickling from seed
How to grow National Pickling
Botanical identity: Cucumis sativus L. Life cycle: Annual.
Sow 1/2 in and use a seed-zone temperature near 75–90 °F. Expected emergence: 7-10 Days. No stratification; direct sow into warm soil or start briefly in biodegradable cells and transplant young
Plant during Late Spring. Space plants 12 in apart with 36 in between rows or planting bands.
Provide Full sun, moderate water, and loamy near pH 6.0–6.5. Support: Trellis.
Garden performance and care
Harvest National Pickling frequently at the intended eating stage so oversized fruit does not slow production. Keep vines off wet soil where possible, water at the root zone, and watch early for cucumber beetles and wilt symptoms. Expected emergence is 7-10 Days; the listed maturity or bloom timing is 50-59 Days.
Harvest, bloom, and uses
National Pickling is best for fresh eating or pickling, trellised gardens, succession sowing, and summer harvest. Harvest form or size: About 5.5–7 in long. Color at the principal harvest or mature stage: Green. Celebrate the timeless reliability of Cucumber Seeds - Vining - National Pickling, a classic American variety developed for its exceptional flavor, uniform shape, and perfect pickling size.
Saving seed
Seed saving for National Pickling Select several healthy, true-to-type plants so the saved lot represents the variety rather than one unusually early or large individual. Cucumis sativus L. varieties can cross with other cucumbers of the same species through insect-carried pollen. Isolate by distance, flowering control, bagging, or hand pollination and maintain enough plants to represent the variety. Mark seed fruit early, then allow it to grow far past eating stage until large and pale, yellow, or golden. Hold mature fruit briefly if sound, scoop seed and pulp, ferment about 24–48 hours, wash away pulp and light seed, and dry the heavy seed thoroughly in a thin layer. Label the lot with isolation and selection records and test germination before distribution.
Common problems
Watch National Pickling for cucumber beetles, squash bugs where applicable, aphids, powdery or downy mildew, bacterial wilt, crown rot, poor pollination, and fruit damage on wet soil. Rotate cucurbit crops, provide airflow, water at the root zone, protect young plants before flowering, and remove covers when blossoms need pollinators. Do not work wet vines.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Pickling ready?
50-59 Days from warm direct sowing or equivalent established transplant
How long does germination take?
Expect 7-10 Days near 75–90 °F; actual emergence changes with moisture, seed condition, and soil temperature.
How large does it grow?
About 49–60 in with a vining/climbing habit. Support: Trellis.
Can it grow in a container?
Possible in a large container only with a sturdy trellis, frequent watering, and enough root volume.
How is it used?
Primary uses: fresh eating or pickling, trellised gardens, succession sowing, and summer harvest. Celebrate the timeless reliability of Cucumber Seeds - Vining - National Pickling, a classic American variety developed for its exceptional flavor, uniform shape, and perfect pickling size.
Can I save seed?
Yes where the crop biology allows, but keep compatible varieties isolated, use several healthy plants, wait for full seed maturity, dry thoroughly, and label the lot.
Minimum Seed Count:50 seeds
