Grow a garden filled with the delicious Bush Pickle Cucumber, from freshly harvested Cucumis sativus seeds. Bush Pickle is a hybrid variety of cucumber that produces compact plants. Each vine grows to a mature length of only 2 or 3 feet long, baring small 5 inch fruits. Because of its compact growth habit, these plants are the perfect choice for pots & containers and in smaller garden spaces.
Bush Pickle is perfect for pickling, as its name states. These plants and fruits handle the heat very well and will produce plenty of cucumbers through the summer months. Even though this variety forms smaller, compact vines, using stakes or a support, such as a trellis, can allow for more space in the garden. It has been scientifically proven that growing cucumbers vertically promotes better yields due to better air flow. Harvest in roughly 45 to 50 days.
Cucumbers taste great in salads, and most varieties are pickled as well. There are several health benefits that you may be interested in learning about, when it comes to consuming cucumbers. Some of these benefits include, reduced risk of cancer, reduced inflammation, fresher breath and benefits in weight loss. For more information on the benefits of eating cucumbers such as this, check out this article.
Sowing The Seed
Cucumbers, like most vegetables, can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow 1 seed per peat pot, at a depth of 1/2″ under topsoil. Provide a small stake for newly established plants. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Check “Germination & Growth” for additional information on growth habits and spacing.
Growing Conditions
Cucumbers will enjoy the heat of summer, and require temperatures of at least 65F or higher. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter and well draining as well. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily so that the plants receive an ample amount of moisture, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause your plants to become waterlogged.
Germination & Growth
Cucumber seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 10 days to successfully germinate. The plants will grow to a vining length of roughly 2 or 3 feet long, but can be better maintained when grown vertically, through the use of a trellis or other support. The plants can be established on hills, versus rows, sowing 4 seeds per hill, directing the vines away from one another. Keep in mind that Bush Pickle is also great in large pots & containers as well. If grown in the garden, space each hill about 4 feet apart. Cucumbers are a delicious additive to many fresh, garden salads and are often times enjoyed raw as well.
Harvesting Your Bush Pickle Cucumbers
Bush Pickle Cucumbers are usually ready for harvesting in roughly 45 to 50 days. The 5 inch fruits can be picked to pickle or enjoy fresh. Because of their high water content, cucumbers do not usually store very well, so it is recommended to consume them within 1 week, or preserve then by canning / pickling.