How to harvest cucumbers

There are two main types of cucumbers: small pickling types, which are bumpy and rough, and large slicing varieties, which are meant to be eaten fresh.

When to harvest cucumbers prickly

Pickling cucumbers also are flavorful and good to eat fresh, although not as large as slicing cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers, however, do not make good pickles due to their high water content.

No matter which variety you choose, you'll enjoy their fresh, crispy texture and versatility.

You can also find specialty cucumbers, too, like round, yellow lemon cucumbers, white 'Dragon Egg,' and tiny cucamelons, but most gardeners focus on pickling and slicing varieties.

How to know when a pickling cucumber is ready to pick

Cucumber ripeness chart

Do you pick cucumbers when they are prickly

Pictures of ripe cucumbers

When to pick mini cucumbers

Regardless of variety, we'll talk you through the basics of how and when to harvest cucumbers.

Growing Basics

Cucumbers require a long growing season, and most are ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days from planting.

The fruits ripen at different times on the vine, but it is essential to pick them when they are ready to avoid a bitter flavor that develops in cucumbers that are left on the vine too long.

Seed packets list

when should i harvest pickling cucumbers

when do i pick cucumbers