Cucumis sativus ‘Boston Pickling’
Overview
Uses: Pickling, fresh slicing, vegetable gardens, trellised growing, home food preservation
Benefits: Compact 3–6 inch fruit ideal for pickling, crisp texture with balanced flavor, reliable heirloom variety with steady summer production
USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Annual
Growth Habit: Climbing, Spreading — vigorous trailing vines
Bloom Color: Yellow
Mature Height: 9–12 inches (vine base)
Mature Width: 12–16 feet (vine length)
Bloom Season: Summer
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Boston Pickling Cucumber is a classic heirloom variety valued for its ideal size and texture for home pickling. Bright green fruit typically reaches 3–6 inches long, offering a crisp bite and dependable flavor.
This open-pollinated variety produces steadily throughout the summer when harvested regularly. The compact vine base adapts well to garden beds, raised planters, and vertical trellising systems.
Fruit develops quickly after flowering begins, and frequent harvesting encourages continued production through the warm season.
Care
Boston Pickling Cucumber Care
Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong vine growth and consistent fruit production.
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with steady moisture. Maintain evenly moist soil, especially during flowering and fruit development.
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer at planting or early in the growing season to support vigorous growth.
Space plants approximately 18–24 inches apart. Vines may sprawl along the ground or be trained vertically on a trellis to improve airflow and simplify harvesting.
Harvest when fruit reaches 3–6 inches in length for optimal pickling quality.
Container Growing
This variety can be grown in large containers with strong support structures. Choose a container at least 16–18 inches wide with adequate drainage.
Container-grown vines require frequent watering during warm weather and consistent feeding throughout the growing season.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Boston Pickling Cucumber for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Each plant is well-rooted and appropriately sized for its container. If you have specific sizing questions, please contact us for additional details.
How Large Does Boston Pickling Cucumber Grow?
The vine base typically reaches 9–12 inches tall, while trailing vines may extend 12–16 feet depending on growing conditions and support.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This variety is commonly known as Boston Pickling Cucumber.
Is Boston Pickling suitable for trellising?
Yes. Training vines vertically improves airflow, keeps fruit off the soil, and can make harvesting easier.
When does Boston Pickling begin producing?
Plants typically begin producing in mid-summer and continue through late summer when harvested regularly.
Where can I explore more edible garden plants?
Browse our collections of Annual Vegetable Plants and Fruit & Vegetable Plants for additional garden varieties.
