Cucumber vs Pickle: Slicing Versus Pickling Types
The cucumber vs pickle question is really about cucumber types. UF/IFAS notes that gardeners can grow slicer plus pickling type varieties, with pickling types smaller plus tougher. University of Illinois Extension notes that pickling cucumbers are picked when small, while slicers are picked longer.
The short answer
Pickles start as pickling cucumbers, which are short types bred to be picked small. Slicing cucumbers grow longer before harvest. Illinois Extension suggests picking pickling types when they are no more than 2 inches long plus slicers at 6 to 8 inches. Both grow on the same warm season vines.
What is a pickling cucumber?
UF/IFAS notes that pickling varieties are smaller plus tougher than slicers. Its pickling examples include Eureka plus Boston Pickling.
Illinois Extension notes that pickling cucumbers should be picked every day, since they can quickly grow too large for use. UMN Extension suggests harvesting them at a uniform size.
How do slicing types differ?
UF/IFAS lists slicer types such as Sweet Success, Poinsett, Ashley, Marketmore 76, Straight Eight plus Space Master. Illinois Extension suggests picking slicing varieties at 6 to 8 inches long.
Large burpless cucumbers can grow 10 inches long at 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
| Trait | Pickling type | Slicing type |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit shape | Short plus small | Longer |
| Picking size | No more than 2 inches | 6 to 8 inches |
| Picking schedule | Every day | Every other day or as needed |
Source: University of Illinois Extension plus UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.
When are each picked?
Illinois Extension advises picking cucumbers at any stage before the seeds become hard. The fruit enlarges rapidly, so pick at least every other day.
UF/IFAS notes that cucumbers are ready 40 to 65 days after planting. NC State Extension notes that yellow fruit is overripe plus tough.
How to: step by step
- Sow seeds after frost once soil reaches 70°F.
- Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep.
- Thin seedlings to 8 to 12 inch spacing.
- Give about 1 inch of water each week.
- Train vines up a trellis to save space.
- Pick pickling types daily plus slicers every other day.
Troubleshooting
Yellow, seedy fruit: picked late. Harvest before seeds harden.
Misshapen fruit: poor pollination. UMN Extension notes bees are common cucumber pollinators.
Fewer new fruits: infrequent picking. NC State Extension notes that harvesting often spurs more fruit.
For related reading see bees in outdoor gardens, leaf anatomy plus plant cages. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Growing cucumbers in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
- Cucumbers, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Cucumis sativus (cucumber), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Cucumber, home vegetable gardening, University of Illinois Extension
FAQ
Can slicing cucumbers be pickled?
Illinois Extension notes that cucumbers can be picked at any stage before the seeds harden. Small slicers can be picked young. Pickling types are bred to be short, so they give a more uniform size. UMN Extension suggests harvesting at a uniform size when cucumbers are grown for pickles.
How small are pickling cucumbers picked?
Illinois Extension notes that cucumbers grown for pickles may be picked when they are no more than 2 inches long. Pickling cucumbers can quickly grow too large for use, so the source advises picking them every day once the vines start setting fruit.
Do cucumbers need a trellis?
Not always. UMN Extension notes that some varieties form long vines that may need a trellis. NC State Extension notes that a trellis or wire fence increases air circulation plus grows straighter fruit. UF/IFAS adds that trellising can save space plus may improve yields.
Do cucumbers need bees?
Most outdoor cucumbers do. UMN Extension notes that bees are common cucumber pollinators. Some newer varieties set fruit normally without pollination, plus those fruits are seedless or nearly so. NC State Extension notes that poor pollination may lead to misshapen fruit.
Can cucumbers grow in containers?
Yes. NC State Extension notes that cucumber can be grown in a container of at least 1 gallon plus 8 inches deep. Illinois Extension adds that dwarf varieties plus vertical training allow cucumbers in small garden plots. Give pots full sun plus ample, even moisture.
