Boston Pickling Cucumber Seeds

Boston Pickling cucumber is a classic 1880’s heirloom from Boston, Massachusetts. This variety produces bright green cucumbers up to 6″ long and 2–3″ wide—perfect for fresh eating or traditional pickling!

Harvest frequently to keep vines productive all season. Grow on a trellis in full sun, provide good spacing, avoid overhead watering, and side-dress with a light organic fertilizer for best results.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Cucumbers are easily direct sown or transplanted. This warm-season crop should be grown when soils are at a minimum temperature of 70°F.

Zones 2-8

• Start 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Soil should be warm, and overnight temperatures should not drop below 60 degrees for the happiest plants.

Planting Boston Pickling Seeds

• Seeds are very easy to direct sow. For Zones 9 and 10, sow seeds in deeply irrigated soils to guarantee even and quick germination. Plant seeds 6″ apart.
• Fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer once seedlings have germinated and are about 4″ tall.
• Transplant out when plants are 5-6″ tall and healthy. Space at least 6″ apart.

Succession Planting Cucumbers

• Plant every 21 days for continuous crop to harvest.

Growing Boston Pickling Cucumber

• Cucumbers enjoy warm temperatures, good fertility, and consistent moisture. For Zones 9 and 10, this means frequent watering or running irrigation. DO NOT overhead water as this promotes disease—water at the base of the plant.
• Side-dress with a granular organic fertilizer if you believe your soil has low fertility.
• Except for some bush varieties, you will need a trellis for support. If space is limited, use our Tomahook system to maximize space and keep your garden area tidy. Practicing good garden hygiene will prevent diseases.

Growing Pickling Cucumber in Containers

• Cucumbers can be planted in a container but should be in a large container with good soil. Cucumbers need regular moisture to be happy, and containers dry out very quickly in the heat of Zones 9 and 10. Be sure to mulch heavily and add compost to your container to retain moisture between waterings.

Harvesting Cucumber

• Harvest small for maximum production and the best flavor, about 15-18 days after pollination. Check your plants every 2-3 days for more fruit. There is always one hiding! Leaving several ripe cucumbers on the plant will take away the energy needed to develop more fruit.
• Ready to pickle? Use our Pickling Spice Gourmet Spice Blend and Refrigerator Pickle Gourmet Spice Blend for a tasty treat that is easy to make!

 Southern California Pro-tips

• Succession plant several times throughout the warm season in areas of Zones 9 and 10 to enjoy a large harvest.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Plants like alyssum and gaillardia are stunningly beautiful planted with trellised vines.

Additional Learning Resources

• Learn about using Tomahooks from our friends over at Nature is Always Right. Shop Tomahooks here.
• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Visit our Garden Wisdom Blog to read more about Growing Cucumbers from Seed.
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to cucumbers at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.