'Chicago Pickling' Cucumber

Cucumis sativus

Origin: Chicago

Improvement status: Cultivar

Seeds per packet: ~40

Germination tested 10/2024: 91%

Life cycle: Annual

This popular heirloom variety was introduced in 1888 by DM Ferry of Detroit, Michigan. It has since been the home gardener's standard pickling cucumber, used for pickles of all sizes (from tiny gherkins to oversize bread-and-butter slices). Its thin skin allows it to readily take in brine. Pickling cucumbers are bumpier and stockier than so-called "slicing" cucumbers, but they are equally good for fresh eating. Vigorous plants are resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and scab, but not to downy mildew, so plant somewhere with good air circulation and avoid getting leaves wet. Our seed was grown by Dylan Bruce and Skye Harnsberger of Circadian Organics in the Driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin.

GROWING TIPS: Direct seed after danger of last frost or transplant healthy plant starts after danger of last frost. Plants should be 12-16 inches apart. 'Gagon' likes to climb and would prefer a trellis. However, they will eventually sprawl if they must. If you're trellising, rows could be 4-5 feet apart. If you're letting them sprawl, rows could be 5-7 feet apart. Prefers full sun.