Cucumbers
58-65days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct seed after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting. Plant 1/2 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile loam with good organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
8-18 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green with light striping and black spines
Size
3-6 inches long depending on harvest time
Shape
Blocky, slightly tapered with moderately bumpy skin
Flavour
Crisp and mild with excellent texture for pickling

In the kitchen

Pickling (all types), fresh eating when young, relishes, fermented pickles

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, anthracnose
Resistance
Good tolerance to scab and moderate resistance to bacterial wilt

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2May – JuneJulyJuly – AugustSeptember
3MayJune – JulyJune – AugustSeptember – October
4April – MayJuneJune – JulyAugust – October
5AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – September
6AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – September
7March – AprilMayMay – JuneJuly – September
8MarchApril – MayApril – JuneJuly – August
9FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – MayJune – July
10January – FebruaryMarchMarch – AprilMay – July
11JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – June
12JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – June
13JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving cucumber flavor
RadishesRepels cucumber beetles and squash bugs, acts as a trap crop
MarigoldsDeters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, repels squash bugs
BeansFix nitrogen in soil and provide beneficial ground cover without competing
CornProvides natural trellis support and shade during hot afternoons
SunflowersAttract beneficial insects and provide afternoon shade for cucumber vines
DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on cucumber pests like aphids

Avoid

Aromatic HerbsStrong scents from sage, rosemary can inhibit cucumber growth and germination
PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, may harbor diseases harmful to cucumbers
MelonsAttract same pests like cucumber beetles and compete for water and nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
10
Protein (g)
0.59
Fat (g)
0.16
Carbohydrate (g)
2.16
Fibre (g)
0.7
Sugars (g)
1.38
Vitamin A (µg)
4
Vitamin C (mg)
3.2
Vitamin E (mg)
0.03
Vitamin K (µg)
7.2
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.051
Folate (µg)
14
Calcium (mg)
14
Iron (mg)
0.22
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
21
Potassium (mg)
136
Zinc (mg)
0.17
Selenium (µg)
0.1

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the cucumbers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Chicago Pickling?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other cucumbers with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Chicago Pickling suits these too.

Browse all 31 cucumbers