This cherished German heirloom pickle cucumber, known as Vorgebirdstauben in its homeland, produces vibrant green fruits with distinctive black spines and bumpy textures that make traditional picklers' hearts sing. Growing just 3 to 6 inches long with a remarkably crisp, crunchy texture, these early-maturing cucumbers are ready to harvest in 55-65 days across zones 2-13. Their compact size and robust flavor have made them a cornerstone of European pickling traditions for generations, though they're equally delicious fresh from the vine.
18
Full Sun
Moderate
2-13
48in H x ?in W
—
High
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The Rhinish Pickle Cucumber stands out for its authentic German heritage and specialized pickling qualities that modern varieties simply can't match. Those characteristic black spines and small bumps aren't just decorative - they create the perfect surface for brine penetration, while the dense, crisp flesh holds its crunch through the pickling process. At just 4-6 inches long, these cucumbers are perfectly sized for whole pickle jars or elegant spears, and their early 55-day maturity means you can enjoy multiple harvests throughout the growing season.
While traditionally destined for the pickle jar, where its crisp texture and ideal 4-inch size shine in whole pickles and spears, the Rhinish Pickle Cucumber also excels in fresh applications. Its refreshing flavor and crunchy texture make it perfect for salads, while its compact size is ideal for dipping platters and crudité arrangements. The cucumbers can even be sliced and used for their traditional cosmetic application over the eyes to reduce puffiness, thanks to their high water content and natural caffeic acid.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date for early harvest. Plant in warm conditions as cucumber seeds require consistent soil temperatures for good germination.
Transplant outdoors only after soil temperature reaches at least 65°F and all danger of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting.
Direct sow seeds when soil temperature reaches at least 65°F and all frost danger has passed. Plant with 18-inch spacing between plants and 6-inch spacing between rows.
Harvest Rhinish Pickle Cucumbers when they reach 4 inches long for optimal pickling quality, though they can be picked anywhere from 3-6 inches depending on intended use. Check plants daily during peak season as cucumbers grow quickly, and regular harvesting encourages continued production. Pick fruits when they're bright green with firm, crisp texture - the distinctive black spines and bumpy skin should be well-developed but the cucumber should still feel dense and heavy for its size.
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“This treasured heirloom carries the agricultural heritage of Germany, where it was known as Vorgebirdstauben and played an essential role in traditional food preservation. The variety made its way to American gardens through the careful stewardship of seed savers who recognized its superior pickling qualities. Today, companies like Mountain Valley Seed Co., a small family-owned operation, continue the legacy by maintaining the genetic integrity of this open-pollinated variety, ensuring that home gardeners and market producers can still grow the same exceptional cucumbers that German families have relied on for generations.”