Cucumber 'Boston Pickling'

Cucumissativus

Family
Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Cucumis (KOO-koo-mis)
Species
sativus (sa-TEE-vus)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Succulent
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Blooms repeatedly
Other Details
Category
Vegetables
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Jonesville, South Carolina

Spokane, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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L
Jonesville, SC (Zone 7b) | July 2025 | positive

One of the best producers that I have planted.

N
Madison, AL (Zone 7b) | July 2013 | positive

Very productive variety with long vines. Fruit are small enough and stems are sturdy enough for these to trellis without support. Quite...Read More

S
East Chatham, NY | September 2011 | positive

This is a must for the serious pickler. High yields of thin-skinned, sweet fruit come in early-ish. Life cycle is especially conducive to...Read More

W
(Zone 6a) | December 2009 | positive

Very prolific plants, easy to grow on trellises. I was picking 4 to 6 cucumbers and pickling them everyday from my seven vines for a coup...Read More

G
(Zone 5a) | February 2006 | positive

Very productive; I have planted and enjoyed these for years.

An old heirloom dating back to 1880. Vigorous vines give lar...Read More

F
Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) | July 2004 | neutral

This is an ancient cultivar dating back to T. W. Woods in 1880. Known by many names it is a black spined pickling cultivar which will gro...Read More

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