Sumter

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Crisp as glass and bursting with cool, fresh snap, Sumter pickling cucumbers bring a clean, bright flavor with a subtly sweet edge.

At maturity they form compact, uniformly sized fruits with a bumpy, dark-green skin that holds its character beautifully for classic pickling preparations. Grow them for reliable harvests and a satisfying crunch that shines in brined jars and tangy relishes alike.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 52 DaysHabit: Vine

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 25th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Jun 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	52
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sumter picklers are built for crunch—small, uniform, and texturally stubborn in vinegar, so they don’t collapse into softness the way juicier cucumbers can. Use them for brined jars and relishes where you want that cool snap first, then the bright, tangy finish.

Best Uses

quick refrigerator pickles where you want maximum snap
traditional kosher-style-style brining for a tight, non-mushy bite
finely chopped relish that keeps a crisp edge under tangy sauce
sliced fresh-on-the-cutting-board snacking with salt and vinegar

Flavor Profile

ice-cold crunch clean, bright cucumber flavor subtly sweet finish snappy bumpy skin that stays textural in brine

Kitchen Pairings

garlic black pepper white vinegar mustard seed fresh dill weed sesame oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Cucumis sativus (cucumber), and what should I do?

Cucumber beetles are a major pest for Cucumis sativus and can also spread bacterial wilt. Use floating row cover right after sowing and remove it only when plants flower, then treat early with insecticidal soap or a targeted organic beetle control if you see adults. Also watch leaves for powdery mildew—remove badly infected leaves and improve airflow (don’t crowd plants) to slow spread.

How often should I water cucumbers during the main growing phase?

During the main fruiting period, keep soil evenly moist—typically about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water at the base in the morning so foliage stays dry, and don’t let the soil swing from dry to soggy because cucumbers can bitter and drop fruit. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture around the root zone.

How can I tell when Cucumis sativus is ready to harvest?

Harvest cucumbers about 50–55 days after sowing when fruits reach the expected size for your plant and the skin is firm and glossy. Use your fingertips to avoid a dull, soft feel—overgrown cucumbers become seedy and less flavorful. Check plants every 1–2 days during peak production so you don’t miss the window when they’re at best eating quality.