Pickling cucumbers, or gherkins, are small, firm cucumbers specifically bred for preservation. These varieties are highly valued by gardeners for their thin skin, crisp texture, and ideal size for canning. A common question is whether these specialized cucumbers grow on sprawling vines or in compact bushes. This confusion exists because “pickling cucumber” refers to the fruit type, and modern breeding has developed varieties for both growth habits.
Distinguishing Between Bush and Vining Cucumber Plants
Cucumber plants are categorized by their growth habit. Vining varieties have an indeterminate growth pattern, meaning they continuously produce long runners that can easily reach six to eight feet in length. These vigorous plants use tendrils to climb, requiring a strong support structure like a trellis or cage. Vining cucumbers generally offer a larger overall harvest spread over a longer growing season.
Bush cucumbers, in contrast, have a determinate or compact growth habit. Their stems remain short and contained, typically spreading only two to three feet. This compact size makes them perfectly suited for container gardening or small garden plots. Bush varieties produce their fruit in a more concentrated burst, which is ideal for harvesting a large quantity for a single pickling session.
Pickling Cucumbers: Varieties Exist in Both Forms
Pickling cucumbers are not genetically restricted to one growth form, as plant breeders have successfully developed specific varieties for both vining and bush habits. Many classic pickling types, such as ‘Boston Pickling’ and ‘National Pickling,’ are traditional vining plants that benefit from vertical support. These vining types are known for their high yield and consistent production throughout the summer months.
For gardeners with limited space, excellent bush varieties like ‘Bush Pickle’ or ‘Spacemaster’ have been created. These compact plants yield the same small, crisp fruit desired for pickling but occupy less space. The choice often depends on the gardener’s schedule: vining types require regular harvesting over weeks, while bush types allow for a larger, synchronous harvest ideal for large-batch preservation.
Cultivation Needs Based on Growth Habit
The choice between a bush or vining pickling cucumber variety directly influences required cultivation practices. Vining cucumbers thrive when trained vertically on a trellis, fence, or netting. Vertical growing saves significant ground space and improves air circulation around the leaves, which helps reduce the occurrence of common fungal diseases like powdery mildew. When grown this way, plants can be spaced as close as 12 inches apart.
Bush varieties do not produce long runners and can be grown without vertical support. They are excellent for planting in large pots or containers on a patio, or for ground planting in small spaces. Although trellising is unnecessary, placing straw or mulch under the plants keeps the fruit clean and minimizes rot and pest issues. Gardeners can use succession planting—sowing new seeds every few weeks—to ensure a continuous supply rather than a single, concentrated harvest.