Sumter Cucumber Heirloom Seeds (Organic)

Sumter Cucumber Heirloom Seeds (Organic) — The 1973 Clemson Pickling Cucumber With Outstanding Disease Resistance and Early 50-Day Maturity

Sumter (Cucumis sativus) was developed by W.C. Barnes of the Clemson Agricultural Experiment Station in 1973 and has been a favorite among home and market growers ever since — because it adapts to different climates and resists disease better than almost any other open-pollinated pickling cucumber. Blocky, tapered 5–6 inch fruits with medium green skin, small white spines, thick flesh, and a mild, slightly sweet, dense, crisp texture that holds up beautifully in brine. Resistant to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Alternaria Leaf Spot, and Scab; tolerant to Cucumber Mosaic Virus; some resistance to Anthracnose. Deer resistant. Organic, open-pollinated. 50 days.

Why Grow Sumter?

• Developed at Clemson, 1973 — proven for home and market growing across a wide range of climates
• Outstanding disease resistance — Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Scab; CMV tolerant; some Anthracnose resistance
• Early 50-day maturity — one of the fastest-maturing pickling cucumbers available
• Blocky tapered fruits — 5–6 inch, medium green, small white spines; thick flesh ideal for pickling
• Deer resistant — hairy leaves and spines deter deer
• Organic, open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen & Pantry

Harvest at 4–5 inches for pickling — the dense flesh holds its crunch through processing. Pack whole into jars with dill, garlic, and brine for classic dill pickles. Slice thin with onion for bread and butter pickles. Lacto-ferment whole in salt brine for probiotic-rich half-sours. Also excellent fresh in salads and with dips.

Growing Notes

Direct sow 1–2 weeks after last frost (preferred — avoids root damage from transplanting) or start indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting. Sow 1 inch deep, 12–18 inches apart in rows 48 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil (pH 6.0–6.8) in full sun. Germination temperature 75–85°F. Optimal growing temperature 64–86°F — frost-sensitive; damaged below 50°F. Trellis vertically to promote airflow and easier harvest. Water consistently. As a monoecious variety, insect or hand pollination required. Harvest frequently at 4–5 inches — use pruning shears, do not pull.

Watch for: Snails, aphids, cutworms, spider mites, squash vine borers, cucumber beetles. Practice crop rotation to reduce disease pressure.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.