I don’t want the little guys to take over, but I’m thinking about putting in a few pickling cucumber plants. How many do I need to have on hand at any given time to make a few jars of pickles here and there? Find the magic number. Related Stories.
As a home gardener who loves pickles you may wonder just how many pickling cucumbers you can expect to harvest from each plant. Getting a good yield of crisp tasty cucumbers for pickling depends on several factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to optimize your pickling cucumber harvest.
An Overview of Pickling Cucumber Yields
Most small-fruited pickling cucumber varieties yield around 12 to 15 cucumbers per plant over the course of a growing season However, the actual number can vary quite a bit depending on the variety, growing conditions, and proper care
Some prolific pickling cucumber varieties can produce over 20 fruits per plant. Bush type picklers take up less space and yield 8 to 12 cucumbers per plant. Trellised vining types generally have higher yields.
Yields also depend on planting density. Proper spacing of 12 to 24 inches between plants prevents overcrowding and allows for better light and air circulation.
Key Factors That Impact Yields
Optimizing certain growing conditions and plant care practices is key to maximizing your pickling cucumber harvest. Here are the most important factors:
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Sunlight: Picklers need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. More sunlight increases yields.
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Soil quality: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil encourages vigorous growth. Incorporate compost before planting.
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Water: Consistent moisture, especially when fruits are forming, is vital for high yields.
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** Temperature:** Warmer temperatures above 60°F are ideal. Use row covers if needed to boost growth.
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Pollination: Plant flowers to attract pollinators. Hand pollination also improves fruit set.
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Pruning: Remove diseased foliage and overgrowth to optimize light and airflow.
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Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients for plant growth and fruiting.
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Harvesting: Frequent picking stimulates further production. Don’t allow cucumbers to over-mature.
Planting Pickling Cucumbers for Maximum Yields
When starting your pickling cucumber patch, follow these tips to maximize your harvest:
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Choose compact bush-type or vining pickler varieties with high yields. Some top options are ‘Calypso’, ‘County Fair’, and ‘National Pickling’.
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Prepare garden beds with compost-enriched soil. Picklers need nutrient-rich conditions.
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Allow proper spacing for air circulation and light penetration. Bush types 12” apart, vines 18-24” apart.
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Plant in full sun, either by seed or transplant after frost danger passes.
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Use trellises or cages for vine types to support abundant growth and keep fruits off the ground.
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Use row covers at planting if weather is cool, remove once plants are established.
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Consider interplanting early and late-maturing varieties to extend the harvest.
Caring For Pickling Cucumber Plants
Once your cucumber plants are happily growing, be diligent about proper care to encourage maximum production:
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Water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Increase frequency during warm, dry periods.
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Weed regularly to minimize competition for water and nutrients.
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Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer.
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Scout for pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs and treat organically if needed.
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Check for disease symptoms and remove any infected plant material promptly.
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Pinch off sections of vines that are declining in productivity to stimulate new growth.
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Support vines by tying loosely to trellises as they lengthen.
Harvesting Your Bumper Crop of Pickling Cucumbers
To get the most out of your pickling cucumber plants, proper harvesting technique is key:
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Begin harvesting when fruits are 2-6 inches long for peak flavor and texture.
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Pick every 2-3 days to encourage more production. Don’t allow cucumbers to yellow or soften.
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Use pruners or scissors for a clean cut from the vine. Avoid damaging plants.
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Handle cucumbers gently to prevent bruising. Pick into crates or baskets.
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Wash and refrigerate any excess not being pickled right away. They will keep for 5-7 days.
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As plants age, remove any oversized, misshapen, or damaged cucumbers to optimize yields.
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Expect declining production after 8-10 weeks. Remove vines once harvests diminish.
Follow these best practices for raising pickling cucumbers, and you’ll be rewarded with a prolific crop. Anticipate harvesting around 12 to 15 crisp fruits per plant, but yields can be even higher with optimal care. Just be ready to enjoy a bounty of homemade pickles!
Cucumbers: I Wish Someone Had Told Me This When I First Started – Pickling vs. Slicer
FAQ
How many cucumbers does a pickling cucumber plant produce?
How many pickles can one plant produce?
What is the average yield per plant of cucumbers?
How far apart to plant pickling cucumbers?
How many cucumbers per plant?
The average number of cucumbers per plant is 10. It is important to note that this can vary depending on the type of cucumber plant, the variety of seed used, and the growing conditions. Some varieties of cucumbers, such as bush cucumbers, have a lower yield per plant, while others, such as vining cucumbers, can produce a higher yield.
How many fruits does a pickling cucumber produce?
Most small-fruited pickling cucumbers yield 12 to 15 fruits per plant. I love thin-skinned Asian cucumbers like Tasty Green, Suyo Long, and Sashimi. You don’t need to peel the fruits and the vines thrive in my raised beds as well as in my polytunnel. Each plant yields about 7 to 9 fruits when given ideal growing conditions.
Are slicing cucumbers better than pickling cucumbers?
Slicing cucumbers produce fewer fruits per plant than pickling cucumbers, but each fruit is longer and heavier. On average, a slicing cucumber plant can produce 10 large fruits, while a pickling cucumber plant can produce 20 small fruits. 2. Cucumber Variety
How many cucumbers can a quart of cucumber produce?
For pickling cucumbers, plan on planting three to four plants for each quart of cucumbers you plan to pickle. A healthy pickling cucumber produces about five pounds of cucumbers per plant. For slicing cucumbers, plan on planting two to three plants per person. The average sliced cucumber produces five pounds of cucumbers.
How many cucumbers can a slicing plant produce?
The amount of cucumbers produced by a single plant depends on various factors such as the type and variety, growing conditions, and how well the plant is cared for. Typically, a slicing cucumber plant can produce up to 10 cucumbers.
How do you care for a pickling cucumber?
A side dressing of fertilizer and regular feedings of fertilizer will significantly help the health of the plant and the size of the harvest. When grown on the ground, keep the plants well weeded. Weeds can quickly overcrowd the low-growing plants. We recommend growing pickling cucumbers on a fence or trellis. This requires much less garden space.