patio snacker cucumbers when to pick

When to Pick Patio Snacker Cucumbers for Maximum Flavor and Yield

Patio Snacker is a popular compact, container-friendly cucumber variety known for producing impressive yields on small trellises. But when is the best time to start harvesting these prolific cukes? Read on to learn the signs that Patio Snacker cucumbers are ready to pick.

About the Patio Snacker Cucumber Variety

• Compact, short vined plant perfect for containers and small spaces
• Produces good yields of slim, 8-10 inch long fruits
• Dark green skin and crisp, mild flavor
• Early maturity, about 39 days from transplanting
• Continues producing throughout summer
• Ideal for vertical growing on a trellis or fence

When to Begin Harvesting Patio Snacker Cucumbers

• Cucumbers can be picked as early as 39 days from when seedlings are transplanted outdoors in spring after danger of frost has passed
• For best flavor and texture, harvest cucumbers when they are young and seeds are still soft
• Pick when fruits are 6-8 inches long for slicing types like Patio Snacker
• Allowing fruits to get oversized or seeds fully develop leads to poorer eating quality

What to Look for When Cucumbers Are Ready to Pick

• Skin is firm, shiny, and vivid green (not yellowing)
• Cucumber feels heavy for its size and is firm when gently squeezed
• Fruit is straight, not overly curved or bumpy
• Flower end is rounded, stem end tapered to a point
• No visible holes, scars, shriveling, cracks, or brown spots

Picking Tips and Frequency

• Use scissors or pruning shears for a clean cut from vine rather than tugging or twisting fruits off
• Check plants daily once fruits start forming, harvest ripe cucumbers promptly
• Pick in the morning when plants are fully hydrated for highest quality
• Regular harvesting encourages vine to keep producing more cucumbers
• Expect to pick every 2-3 days during peak season

Storing Freshly Picked Cucumbers

• Cucumbers don’t store well due to high water content
• Eat picked cucumbers as soon as possible, within 1-3 days for best flavor
• Rinse freshly harvested cucumbers gently under cool water
• Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before storing
• Refrigerate unwashed cucumbers in loose plastic bag for up to one week
• Don’t store with fruits that emit ethylene gas like apples or bananas

Extending the Cucumber Harvest

• Pick all mature cucumbers as they become ready to keep vines producing
• About 30-40 days before first fall frost, stop new fruits from forming by pinching off any remaining flowers
• This encourages vine to direct energy into maturing existing cucumbers before frost hits
• Harvest all remaining ripe fruits just before killing frost

Enjoying the Harvest

• Patio Snacker cucumbers are tender, crisp, and flavorful when eaten fresh
• Rinse and trim ends before slicing or grating for salads and sandwiches
• Also ideal for quick pickling while fruits are small and unwaxed

With their prolific yields and compact size, Patio Snacker cucumbers are a smart choice for container veggie gardening. Check plants daily once fruits start developing. Then promptly harvest ripe cucumbers when they reach 6-8 inches for the best texture and flavor. Keep vines picked clean to encourage ongoing production all season long.