By admin [ad_1]
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ms-cucumbers-getty-12a82f3513f941d4ae91d0b5097574d3.jpg)
Cucumbers are widely grown for their refreshing flavor and delightful crunch. Their unique texture adds a satisfying element to salads, sandwiches, and a variety of other culinary creations. But if you missed the planting window for cucumbers, don’t worry. There are a few fast-growing varieties you can plant now for fresh produce without the lengthy wait.
Whether you’re looking for a crunchy snack or the perfect cucumber for pickling, these cultivars will meet your needs. Ahead, we will explore the top fast-growing cucumbers experts say offer a quick and rewarding harvest, making your gardening experience fulfilling and enjoyable.
- Courtney Williams, seeds branch coordinator and product developer at Fedco Seeds
- Eric Nieusma, a regenerative farmer and co-owner of Maine Hill Farm
South Wind Slicer
Fedco Trees
This smooth, dark green cucumber is ready for harvest in just 52 days. Courtney Williams, seeds branch coordinator and product developer at Fedco Seeds, notes that this variety impressed her with vigorous, stress-tolerant vines and top-notch fruits. “South Wind is crisp, crunchy, and never bitter; and it’s a delight for snacking, in cucumber salads, or Maine’s classic cucumber sandwiches.”
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Mature fruit size: 7 to 8 inches long
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Common Wealth Pickler
Fedco Trees
This disease-resistant, easy-to-grow cucumber excels in northern and southern gardens alike, notes Williams. “Common Wealth’s sweet, crisp, thin-skinned fruits come on fast and keep cranking when most others have succumbed to bacterial wilt or other common diseases,” she says. Williams adds that this variety is delicious right off the vine and is also great for pickling. This fast-growing, classic, and crunchy cucumber is ready to enjoy in 55 days.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Mature fruit size: 4 to 6 inches long
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Super Zagross
Fedco Trees
While this variety has become popular in grocery stores, Williams notes the tender, refreshing cucumber is even better when enjoyed fresh off the vine. “Super Zagross is a wildly productive cucumber with the thinnest skin you can dream of with no peeling required,” says Williams. In just 54 days, you can enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or for a quick snack.” William highlights Super Zagross’s juicy, refreshing fruits, which will impress even the most discerning of snackers.
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Mature fruit size: 4 to 6 inches long
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Marketmore
Maine Hill Farm
Marketmore is a fast-growing cucumber variety that is ready for harvest in less than 60 days, according to Eric Nieusma, co-owner of Maine Hill Farm and a regenerative farmer. “This variety can be harvested when it reaches about 4 inches in just 55 days or less, making it perfect for delicious small pickling cucumbers,” he explains. It matures to a full-sized 6-inch cucumber in approximately two months. “Marketmore is hardier than most small cucumbers, is disease-resistant, and a delight to grow.”
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Mature fruit size: 4 to 8 inches long
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter
[ad_2]