North Carolina ranks among the top producers of cucumbers in the nation. The state is also home to small- and large-scale processors who pickle the cucumbers grown here. From seeded to pickling varieties, here’s what to know about the cucumbers that grow here.
Cucumbers are a type of cucurbit. According to the N.C. State Extension, the Cucurbitaceae family includes four major crops: cucumbers, melon, squash and watermelon. All four are grown commercially in North Carolina, with the largest production in cucumbers and watermelons.
North Carolina grows cucumbers for both processing (e.g. pickles) and fresh market. About two thirds of the state’s cucumber crop is grown for processing, while one third is for fresh market, according to the N.C. State Extension.
North Carolina ranks fifth nationally in cucumber production, with much of the production coming from Eastern North Carolina and some from Western North Carolina.
Cucumber varieties grown in North Carolina
According to the 2026 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook produced by extension specialists and researchers across the Southeast, there are 15 varieties of cucumbers that are recommended for North Carolina production.
Those range from fresh market varieties to pickling types. The fresh market types recommended for North Carolina include the Brickyard, Bristol, Cobra, Dasher II, Raceway, Stonewall and SV 4719CL varieties. The pickling and seedless pickling varieties recommended for North Carolina include the Vlasstar, Arabian, Peacemaker, Bernstein, Liszt, Gershwin, Rubinstein and Bowie varieties.
According to the N.C. State Extension, General Lee, Sweet Slice and Olympian are other slicing varieties that grow well in the state. Other pickling varieties grown here include varieties like Fancipak, Calypso and Carolina.
Growing cucumbers in North Carolina
Cucumbers are a warm season plant, ideally planted when soil temperatures reach 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Even a light frost can kill cucumber plants, so it’s important not to plant earlier than the recommended time.
Fresh market cucumbers in Eastern North Carolina should be planted in the spring between mid-April and mid-May, or in late summer from mid-July to mid-August, according to the handbook. Growers looking to produce cucumbers in Western North Carolina should get them in the ground around mid-May to the end of July.
Pickling varieties should be planted in Eastern North Carolina between April 20 and May 20 or July 15 to Aug. 15. Western North Carolina growers should plant between May 25 and July 31 this year.
Cucumbers are 90% water, making irrigation very important. Cucumbers have shallow roots, making them susceptible to even slight drought conditions.
Cucumber vines also take up a lot of space, so it is important to ensure your cucumber plants are spaced appropriately – about 8 to 10 inches apart.
While many of the varieties mentioned are disease resistant, disease and pests remain the most common issues when it comes to growing cucumbers in North Carolina, according to the N.C. State Extension. Because early detection is critical, cucumbers require daily inspections, making them a labor-intensive vegetable to grow.