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Get my top picks for parthenocarpic cucumbers to grow in the greenhouse or in your veggie patch. I’ve chosen easy-to-grow cucumber plants and provided some master gardener tips for sucessfully growing parthenocarpic cucmbers.
TIP: If you just want to know my favorite self-pollinating cucumber, it’s Tyria. I grow this variety every year as it produces the tastiest, long English-type slicing cucumbers.
What Are Parthenocarpic Cucumbers?
Parthenocarpic cucumbers are unique varieties that do not require pollination to produce fruit. Although they are sometimes referred to as self-pollinating cucumbers, this is not entirely accurate. If not pollinated with pollen from a male cucumber flower, the cucumber plants still produce fruit from unpollinated female flowers, resulting in seedless cucumbers. Hence they’re not technically self-pollinating cucumbers. But still, the end result is the same – delicious cucumbers without pollination.
Top 10 Parthenocarpic Cucumber Varieties to Grow
1. Tyria (58 days)
This parthenocarpic English cucumber produces dark green, slightly ribbed fruits up to 14 inches (35 cm) long. Tyria is a prolific, disease-resistant variety with a mild, sweet flavor and almost no bitterness. It produces predominantly female flowers (gynoecious).
2. Sweet Success (54 days)
An All-America Selections winner, Sweet Success is a highly productive parthenocarpic cucumber that yields massive, 12-inch-plus dark green fruits with thin, tender skin. This variety is adapted to various climates and is disease-resistant.
3. Socrates (52 days)
A sweet Beit Alpha-type cucumber, Socrates has very thin, spineless skin, is cold-tolerant, and can produce fruit well into the fall. Disease-resistant and highly productive, this variety has a high proportion of female flowers.
4. Katrina (49 days)
Similar to Socrates but more heat-tolerant and slightly smaller, Katrina is a sweet, thin-skinned variety with high yields and excellent disease resistance. It is an ideal choice for southern growers or those experiencing fruiting difficulties in the summer heat.
5. Bella (100 days)
An outstanding English slicing cucumber variety that’s resistant to powdery mildew, this plant boasts a vigorous growth habit and abundant yield of long, subtly ribbed, high-quality dark green fruits free of bitterness. Additionally, it demonstrates resistance to target leaf spot and gummosis and is tolerant to downy mildew.
6. Picolino (70 days)
A smaller Beit Alpha-type cucumber, Picolino produces 4 to 5-inch long uniform fruits with thin skin. The slightly ribbed cucumbers grow on highly productive vines that are disease-resistant and prolific, making this variety very popular among gardeners.
7. La Diva (60 days)
This is a remarkable ridge or glasshouse variety that has earned the prestigious “All American Selection” title. This exceptional variety produces slender, glossy 6-inch fruits that are smooth, seedless, and incredibly sweet. La Diva plants are highly productive and can be grown outdoors, in a frame, or within a polytunnel or greenhouse. Its outstanding combination of flavor, sweetness, and seedlessness make it a popular choice for outdoor growers. And, the RHS recommends La Diva as an attractant for pollinators and beneficial insects.
8. H-19 Little Leaf (57 days)
This parthenocarpic pickling cucumber is one of the few semi-bush varieties, named for its small leaves. Compact and heavy-yielding, it produces 3 to 4-inch fruits and is suitable for container gardening.
9. Iznik (55 days)
Iznik yields sweet cocktail cucumbers with tender skin and can also be used as a pickling cucumber, producing miniature 3 to 4-inch fruits. Smooth, tender-skinned, and very prolific, this variety has a compact, semi-bush growth habit.
10. Excelsior (50 days)
A traditional pickling cucumber, Excelsior produces bulky 4 to 5-inch fruits. Disease-resistant, vigorous, and adaptable to various climates, it is suitable for both summer and fall growing. Highly recommended.
Reasons to Grow Parthenocarpic Cucumbers
Originally bred to increase greenhouse cucumber yields, parthenocarpic cucumbers can be grown under protection or in areas with few natural pollinators without the need for manual pollination. For home gardeners, parthenocarpic cucumbers provide seedless fruits and guaranteed good harvests, as most flowers will be female and produce cucumbers even if you only have space for one plant.
Understanding Parthenocarpic, Gynoecious, and Monoecious Cucumbers
When researching parthenocarpic cucumbers, you may come across the terms gynoecious and monoecious. Each term has a distinct meaning:
- Monoecious cucumbers: These are standard, open-pollinated cucumbers with both female and male flowers on the same plant. However, female flowers are often outnumbered by male flowers.
- Gynoecious cucumbers: These varieties have predominantly female flowers, with some having over 90% female flowers. Gynoecious cucumbers are not necessarily parthenocarpic and are often grown alongside monoecious or male-only (androecious) varieties to allow for pollination while still increasing yields.
- Parthenocarpic cucumbers: These plants produce fruit without pollination and are almost always gynoecious, meaning nearly all flowers should be female, greatly increasing yields.
The varieties listed in this guide are both parthenocarpic and gynoecious.
Types of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers
Parthenocarpic cucumbers can be bred from any cucumber variety. However, most parthenocarpic varieties are Beit Alpha or pickling cucumbers. Beit Alpha cucumbers have very thin-skinned, burpless fruits, similar to English cucumbers but generally smaller. Their longer relatives are sometimes called Persian cucumbers. Other types of cucumbers, such as cocktail cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, and traditional English cucumbers, are also available as parthenocarpic varieties.
Regarding growth habits, most parthenocarpic cucumbers are vining varieties. However, compact semi-bush varieties suitable for container gardening are available and require only stakes or cages for support.
Tips for Growing Parthenocarpic Cucumbers
- Choose the right variety: When selecting parthenocarpic cucumber seeds, consider factors like your climate, growing space, and taste preferences. There are numerous parthenocarpic varieties available, so choose one that aligns with your gardening goals and conditions.
- Proper spacing: Parthenocarpic cucumbers need adequate room to grow and thrive. Plant seeds or seedlings about 12-24 inches apart in rows or on hills. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, reducing the risk of disease and promoting healthy growth.
- Vertical growing: Utilize trellises or cages to support your parthenocarpic cucumber plants. Growing cucumbers vertically saves space, promotes better air circulation, and makes it easier to spot and harvest fruits.
- Consistent watering: Cucumbers are comprised mainly of water, making consistent and deep watering essential for their growth. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as fluctuations in moisture can lead to misshapen or bitter fruits.
- Monitor male flowers: Although parthenocarpic cucumber varieties generally produce few male flowers, occasionally removing any that appear can help prevent accidental pollination, which can result in seedy or bitter fruits.
- Regular harvesting: Parthenocarpic cucumbers tend to be highly productive, so harvest fruits regularly to encourage continued production. Regular harvesting also helps maintain fruit quality and prevents them from becoming overripe or too large.
- Fertilize appropriately: Provide your parthenocarpic cucumbers with well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it may lead to abundant foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Keep an eye on pests and diseases: While parthenocarpic cucumbers are often disease-resistant, it’s still essential to monitor plants for pests or diseases. Remove any affected leaves or fruits, and use organic or chemical treatments when necessary.
- Succession planting: For a continuous harvest, plant parthenocarpic cucumbers every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. This staggered approach will provide you with a steady supply of cucumbers throughout the summer.
- Experiment with varieties: Don’t be afraid to try different parthenocarpic cucumber varieties in your garden. Each variety has unique characteristics, and experimenting will help you discover your favorites and determine which ones perform best in your specific growing conditions.
- Use companion planting: Make use of companion planting vegetables and herbs alongside your cucumbers to ward off insect pests and improve soil health. Sweet alyssum, dill, and yarrow are all excellent choices for planting alongside cucumbers.
FAQs
To determine if a cucumber is parthenocarpic, you’ll need to refer to the seed packet or the plant’s description. Parthenocarpic cucumbers are typically labeled as such or may be described as self-fruiting, meaning they can produce fruit without pollination.
Yes, you can eat unpollinated cucumbers. In fact, parthenocarpic cucumbers are a perfect example of this, as they can produce fruit without pollination. These cucumbers tend to be seedless and have a desirable texture and flavor.
Pickle bush cucumbers are not necessarily self-pollinating. Some pickle bush cucumber varieties may require pollination, while others might be parthenocarpic. It’s essential to check the specific variety’s details to determine if it is self-pollinating or requires pollination.
Yes, you can grow many types of parthenocarpic cucumbers outdoors. But not all. So be sure to check the seed package. Many of these varieties are well-suited for outdoor gardens because they do not require pollination to produce fruit. This feature makes them ideal for areas with limited pollinators or for gardeners who want a reliable harvest without the need for manual pollination.