Seed Savers Organic Russian Pickling Cucumber

This early-maturing, smooth-green pickling cucumber has a sweet flavor and good crunch. Shared with Seed Savers Exchange by Daniel L. Flyger—who received it from his neighbor Viola Neubarth—this variety was reportedly brought to Hutchinson County, South Dakota, by the Schwartzmeer Deutsch (Black Sea Germans) in the 1870s.

• 50-55 days
• ±1,100 seeds/oz
• Organic
• Smooth green skin
• Sweet crisp flesh
• 25 seeds

This variety works for:

• Fresh eating
• Pickling

Cucumbers are most often used raw and are perfect in salads. Some chefs prefer to peel the skin off the fruit as it can be bitter.

Cucumbers pair well with mint an dill, which can be added directly to your salad or to dressings. Cucumber and mint can also be added to smoothies and juice. Tatziki sauce is made from shredded cucumber, yogurt, and dill.

Pickling cucumbers, however, are best for preserving in a solution of vinegar, salt, sugar, spices, and water. You can create countless number of combinations for your pickles to use on sandwiches, as a relish, or eaten as side dish.

Instructions - When growing plants on a trellis, space seed 6-8" apart and thin plants as necessary; train plants to climb the trellis with an initial guidance. Alternatively, make 12" hills at least 6' apart. Plant 6-8 cucumber seeds per hill 1" deep. After germination, thin to 3-4 plants per hill. Can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost. Cucumbers benefit from steady moisture.

• Direct Seed: 1" Deep
• Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds
• Thin: To 3-4 Plants
• Light: Full Sun