Grown National Pickling?

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National Pickling — Cucumbers | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: National Pickling
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

52-58days to harvest

6-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil warms to 65°F, successive plantings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1-2 inches per week, consistent watering crucial
Soil: Well-drained, fertile loamy soil rich in compost
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Height: 8-18 inches
Season: Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Medium green with lighter stripes
Size: 4-6 inches long, 2.5 inches diameter
Shape: Blocky, thick, slightly tapered
Flavour: Firm, crisp texture with mild flavor, excellent for pickling

In the kitchen

Pickling (all sizes), fresh eating when young, relishes, bread and butter pickles

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, aphids, spider mites
Diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew, angular leaf spot, anthracnose
Resistance: Moderate resistance to cucumber mosaic virus and bacterial wilt

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	June	July – August	July – September	September – August
2	May – June	July	July – August	September
3	May	June – July	June – August	August – October
4	April – May	June	June – July	August – October
5	April	May – June	May – July	August – September
6	April	May – June	May – July	July – September
7	March – April	May	May – June	July – August
8	March	April – May	April – June	June – August
9	February	March – April	March – May	May – July
10	January – February	March	March – April	May – June
11	January	February	February – March	April – May
12	January	February	February – March	April – May
13	January	February	February – March	April – May

Companion planting

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

RadishesHelp deter cucumber beetles and break up soil for better root development

MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, aphids, and other harmful insects

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for cucumber beetles and aphids while deterring squash bugs

BeansFix nitrogen in soil and provide beneficial ground cover without competing for space

CornProvides natural trellis support and shade while cucumbers suppress weeds below

DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests

LettuceMakes efficient use of space as ground cover and doesn't compete for nutrients

SunflowersProvide natural trellis support and attract pollinators essential for fruit development

Aromatic HerbsOregano, thyme, and chives help repel cucumber beetles and other pests

Avoid

SageCan inhibit cucumber growth through allelopathic compounds

MelonsCompete for similar nutrients and space, and share common diseases like bacterial wilt

PotatoesMay stunt cucumber growth and both plants compete heavily 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

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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.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown National Pickling?

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