40 Best Cucumber Varieties You Want to Grow
Last updated: 10/31/21
Growing cucumbers have transitioned from the ancient times in the Indus valley to modern-day gardening.
The first cucumber varieties were somewhat bitter. This was a defensive mechanism to keep animals from eating them before they were ripe.
Cucumbers have become an integral part of meals, especially when making pickles and salad.
Take some time and learn more about the types of cucumbers as well as some of the best cucumber growing tips
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The Main Varieties of Cucumbers
The numerous varieties of cucumbers are categorized into four main groups.
- Slicing Cucumber | These cucumbers are excellent for salads and for other slicing and dicing meals. Most of these varieties hold up very well on their own.
- Pickling Cucumber | A perfect choice for canning and other pickling recipes. Most of them are best suited for salads, but some may be a little bitter.
- Specialty Cucumber | These types of cucumbers are some of the fanciest & peculiar ones you may see & taste. Give them a shot if you want something different.
- Container Cucumber | Some of the slicing cucumbers and pickling types may also be grown in a container with a suitable trellis. These are the best option for containers because of their bushy nature.
Note: We have indicated the All-American Selections (AAS) winners for each variety with an asterisk (*).
Slicing Cucumbers | A Cucumber Variety for All
Some of the characteristics of the slicing ones include vines, which are typically endowed with wide leaves. These are best eaten before ripening because they get sour and bitter when ripe.
Normally, they are green in color but yellow when ripe.
Varieties of Slicing Cucumbers
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1.Diva Cucumbers *
This slicing type is easy to the eye due to its glossy, yellow green skin and balanced shape.
It has a thin skin and extremely good for slicing. The typical length of this variety is 6 to 8 inches.
It is a renowned AAS winner and is best to harvest in about 58 days.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE
2. Straight 8 Cucumbers
These cucumbers are a tasty light green color & yellow skin that takes about 50 to 55 days to fully mature.
It is an heirloom, which is best harvested at about 8 cm. The name emanates from its straight appearance as well as its length when fully grown.
It is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus. It is best to harvest this variety before they go past their prime, which is indicated by a yellow color.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE
3. Bush Champion Cucumbers
If you like a high yielder, then you should go for the Bush champion. The mature fruit of the bush champion cucumbers ranges within 8 -11 inches in terms of length.
It is straight and bright green in color and you should be able to harvest in 60 days.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
4. Ashley Cucumbers
After getting the seeds and planting them, a 65 day period lapses before the roots are ready for harvesting.
They are smooth, top shaped and almost blood in color. Highly sweet and tender with a high shelf life.
They originally came from Russia where they were eaten as a staple crop.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking No products found..
5. Early Frame Cucumbers
In comparison to most heirloom types of cucumbers, the early frame cucumbers mature at a fast rate and can be used for both pickling and slicing. It best size for harvesting and consumption averages at 7-8 inches.
In case you have never seen this cucumber, it has pale green lines that form a distinct pattern.
6. Saladmore Bush F1 Cucumbers *
This dark green type grow in a semi-bush.
It is a crispy variety that is perfect for your salads or picked earlier for pickling.
Matures in about 55 days.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
7. Dasher II Cucumbers
The Dasher II is a high breed of strong disease-resistant type that matures within 55 days.
It grows to about 8.5 inches and has a rich green color.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
8. Muncher Cucumbers
The Muncher is the kind of slicing variety that doesn’t need to be peeled when ready.
It takes an average of 60 days to completely mature.
The ideal length to harvest is 4-6 inches for the best flavor.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
9. Orient Express II Cucumbers
When you walk in the grocery store, the chances are that you will find this one wrapped in plastic.
Besides being burpless, it is also resistant to common diseases.
It grows to about 14 inches in 64 days, and once it attains this length it is ready for harvesting.
10. Green Fingers Persian Cucumbers
This is a Persian style F1 Hybrid slicing variety that attains maturity within 60 days.
Green Fingers Persian also doesn’t need any peeling as well.
It grows to about 4-5 inches, and that’s the perfect size for harvesting it.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
11. Chelsea Slice Cucumbers
Apart from being scab resistant, the Chelsea slice cucumbers are Hybrid.
It is characterized by a distinct sweetness, pale green, slightly yellow and thin skin.
This type stands out in terms of length as it can grow up to 15 inches. Moreover, it is self-pollinating.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
12. Marketmore 76
This is yet another heirloom type that is self-pollinated.
Its typical maturity period falls within 56-58 days.
You can count on these cucumbers to give you good yields and withstand harsh conditions.
It is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus. You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
13. Chinese Snake
The origin of these peculiar ones can be traced back to growing in ancient China.
These produce straight fruits, yet is also capable to produce curved ones as well.
The Chinese snake cucumbers takes about 75 days to completely mature and should be harvested at 15 to 18 inches long. A perfect variety that stands up against the cucumber mosaic virus.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
14. Tendergreen Cucumbers
The most popular type of the Tendergreen cucumber is the bush beans and is best suited for hot weather.
One of its unique features is the stingless pods.
It is also known for its resilience when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
15. Sweet Success F1 Cucumbers *
This is an AAS winner from 1983 that is so tender, crisp and sweet.
You will love growing these fresh cucumbers in your garden.
These cucumbers mature very early and are perfect for eating in summer salads due to less seeds.
About 55 days to harvest
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
16. Saber Cucumbers
The dark green skin of this cucumber variety will keep these delicious fruit protected from any insects.
They are super sweet and juicy along with being robust in your garden.
Harvest in 55 days.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
17. Mini Munch Cucumbers
These wonderful snack attack mini cucumber variety (3-4″ long) are really something to sink your teeth into.
The fruit is a rich green with smooth skin.
Best to harvest in 50-60 days.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Pickling Types of Cucumbers | Peter Picked a Peck of Pickled Cukes
These cucumbers barely have a regular shape. These types can either be dark-green in color, yellow or creamy.
Types of Pickling Cucumbers
18. Calypso Cucumber F1
If you want some large golden beets, then give these one shot in your garden.
This type of beet has dark green leaves.
They also don’t mind a little warmer soil, so these are perfect to plant a bit later than most others.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
19. Alibi Cucumbers
These dark green cucumbers are a little on the smaller size at 3-4″, but are perfect for either salad or brining.
They have a long ample growing production as resistant to many diseases.
50 days to harvest.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
20. H19 Little Leaf Pickling Cucumbers
A prolific climbing variety that has small leaf size, hence its name.
It is perfect for a garden bed or even grown in a container.
Harvest in about 52-56 days.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
21. Double Yield Cucumbers
A highly productive pickling cucumber with a crisp and delicious fruit that is often quite tasty when pickled.
Cucumber size ranges from a small 4-6″ long lime green with black spines.
Harvest in about 50-60 days. A perfect one for growing in your garden.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
22. Liberty Cucumbers *
An oldie but goodie pickling one that is an AAS winner from 1978.
It has a dark green skin that has a nice crunch when pickled.
Surprisingly could not find these seeds sold anywhere.
23. Wisconsin SMR-58 Pickling Cucumbers
This pickling variety produces massive yields that are perfect for pickling.
The flavor is mild and somewhat sweet. Harvest at just shy of 60 days.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
24. Parisian Gherkin F1 Cucumbers *
These cucumbers make great midget sized cukes.
These plants a very prolific plants and ready to harvest by day 50.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
25. Pick a Bushel F1 Cucumbers *
This AAS winner is ready to harvest in 50 days.
It grows as a compact bush that spreads only about 24 inches, so this may also be a good choice grown in a container.
It has a sweeter taste with a firm texture.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
26. Wautoma Cucumbers
Wautomas are strong cucumber mosaic virus resistant, open-pollinated, cucumbers that are light green to yellow.
It takes about 60 days to mature and withstands harsh conditions and common cucumber diseases such as the angular lift blight.
The average length for growing Wautoma is between 4-5 inches. The best bit about it is that it is not bitter at all and brines perfectly.
This has good yields and stands up well against cucumber mosaic virus.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
27. Jersey Pickling Cucumbers
Every region has plants that do really well depending on the climatic conditions, and this common cucumber is no exception.
Nonetheless, the Jersey pickling type is versatile and flourishes out of its comfort zone.
When mature, this fruit is perfect for eating fresh dill pickles.
It’s marked by black spines and better harvested when 7-8 inches long.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
28. National Pickling Cucumber
Another Greenthumb Gardener favorite that makes into our garden each year.
When it comes to cucumbers with the highest yields, the National Pickling, which is a open-pollinated, tops the list.
It produces medium-sized ones which are straight and dark green in color.
The National Pickling type is ready for harvesting at about 50 days after planting.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
29. Eureka Cucumbers
Eureka is a dark green, disease-resistant type that is characterized by a small seed cavity.
Upon full maturity, it reaches up to 7 inches.
You can harvest it in 57 days and use it as slicing cucumbers.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
30. Homemade Pickles Cucumber
Homemade Pickles are superb cucumbers with a regular shape.
Unlike the others, Homemade pickles are harvested at about 1.5 inches long.
However, if you prefer eating fresh dill pickles, you can let them grow to around 5-6 inches.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
31. Northern Pickling Cucumbers
This cucumber stands for its notably black spines and shorter vines.
The Northern Pickling is resistant to scab and is ready for eating in 48 days.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
32. Excelsior Cucumbers
This name reminds me of Stan Lee for any comic book fans.
Very prolific variety that produce small fruits about 4-5″ long.
It is very disease resistant and perfect for any greenhouse or garden beds. Harvest in about 50 days.
Specialty Cucumbers | You want me to try this?
Specialty cucumbers are from the heirloom family. Although the these cucumbers may take more time to grow and are sometimes susceptible to diseases, their fresh flavor for eating is unbeatable.
Types of Specialty Cucumbers
33. Armenian Cucumber
These Armenian ones are also known snake melons. They reproduce through open-pollination and take up to 60 days to mature.
Some of the Armenian cucumber characteristics include a ribbed texture on the surface. Additionally, they are long and can grow up to 19 inches.
However, it’s best to harvest them at 12 inches long and with a width of about 1.5 inches.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
34. Lemon Cucumbers
Lemon cucumbers are yellow in color and have a distinct rich flavor.
However, these yellow cucumbers are quite hard to find.
The maturity period of these lemon cucumbers is 65 days and are usually harvested at 1.5 inches.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
35. Crystal Apple White Spine Cucumber*
As its name suggests, this is a small white cucumber that has a unique shape. Though it’s mistakenly likened to a lemon cucumber, it is totally different.
In fact, they are not from the same family. These cucumbers get about 5 to 6 inches long.
One of its notable characteristics is its white spines. The dominant color is, however, pale white. Due to its shape, they are perfect slicing cucumbers
36. Boothby Blonds Cucumber
Don’t confuse this type for lemon cucumbers. These cucumbers are named Boothby blonds because it was preserved for generations by the Boothby family.
Moreover, it is linked to a white cucumber, yet has overtones of yellow skin.
The best size to harvest it is at 3 inches long.
When ripe, it assumes a bright orange color and takes about 55-60 days to fully mature.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
37. Jelly Melon Cucumber
This specialty cucumber is also known as African Horned cucumber. It is not a true one, but it gets lumped here because it resembles one.
It has a distinct yellow flesh that has a citrus flavor. 120 days to maturity.
Cucumbers for Containers
The space for planting cucumbers may be limited in modern gardens. However, there is a variety that can easily be planted in containers and their leaves will barely spread out to occupy more space.
Types of Container Cucumbers
38. Spacemaster Cucumber
With compact vines, the Spacemaster ones can flourish in a small garden and yield considerably.
It is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus.
It is a true dark skin one that deserves a space in your garden.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
39. Fanfare Cucumber F1 *
An AAS winner from 1994 known to produce vigorous and better quality fruit over the season.
Flavorful and less bitter type that is perfect for a container garden with its semi-bush nature.
Takes about 65 days to harvest.
You can find these seeds on Amazon by clicking HERE.
40. Salad Bush Cucumber *
The Salad Bush cucumber is compact and bred to fit in a container.
In 57 days, this type is ready for harvesting.
By this time it’s usually 8 inches long and dark green in color.
One of its most desirable qualities is the strong resistance to diseases.
Grab these seeds now on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Further Reading
More Info
Different types of cucumbers thrive in specific conditions. Therefore, it is important that you only purchase open-pollinated, hybrid or organic seeds of the fruit that can flourish in your region.
Buying seeds, planting and watering cucumbers may not be enough to ensure that they are productive.
Check out our guide here on Seed Saving fundamentals if you want to try and save your organic seeds from your harvest from open-pollinated or heirloom cucumbers.
