Discover the Best Mini Cucumber Varieties that are great for growing in a tight space like a small balcony or a mini patio!
You don’t need much space to grow small cucumbers in your garden, which allows you to savor crispy, fresh cucumbers right from the vine. Check out the Best Mini Cucumber Varieties to grow on a patio or balcony in pots.
Learn Everything About Growing Cucumbers On Trellis here
Best Mini Cucumber Varieties
1. Lemon Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Lemon’
These are one of the best mini cucumber varieties with yellow skin and a slightly tangy flavor resembling that of a lemon. They typically grow to the size of a tennis ball and take around 50-65 days to mature, but you can harvest them earlier for smaller fruit.
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2. Apple Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Apple’
Apple cucumbers are a type of cucumber that has white skin and grows to the size of an apple. They are known for their high yield potential, but it is crucial to keep the plants sufficiently watered to prevent bitter-tasting cucumbers.
3. Lebanese Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Lebanese’
The next on the list of mini cucumber varieties is the Lebanese. These are a highly favored type of small cucumbers that make for excellent snacks because they have thin skin and very few seeds.
4. Spacemaster
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Spacemaster’
Spacemaster cucumbers are perfect for small gardens because they grow on compact vines, making them a space-saving option among the mini cucumber varieties. They are so versatile that you can even plant them in containers or hanging baskets.
Learn How to Grow Cucumbers in Container here
5. Marketmore
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Marketmore’
Marketmore is a well-known type of slicing cucumber that is suitable for small vegetable gardens due to its easy-to-grow nature. Additionally, these cucumbers are resistant to common cucumber diseases like cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildew.
6. Picklebush
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Picklebush’
Picklebush is a compact mini cucumber variety that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length, making it an ideal option for small gardens. These cucumbers are green with white stripes and are specifically favored for pickling purposes.
7. Sweet Gherkin
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Sweet Gherkin’
Sweet gherkin cucumber plants have a compact size and typically grow to a length of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), making them well-suited for container gardening. These can be planted during the spring or early summer months.
Discover the list of best cucumber varieties here
8. Cucamelon
Botanical Name: Melothria scabra
Although not cucumbers, Cucamelons (also called Mexican sour gherkins) are a delightful addition to any list. These miniature fruits are grape-sized and have a mildly sour cucumber flavor.
9. Picolino
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Picolino’
Another tasty mini cucumber variety is Picolino. It is a delightful little cucumber that boasts a rapid growth rate, with fruits appearing just 45-50 days after planting. Despite its small size, measuring only 4 inches in length, it is packed with delicious flavor!
10. Excelsior
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Excelsior’
Excelsior is an incredibly productive mini cucumber variety that produces so many fruits that it can be hard for a family to keep up. These 4-5 inches long cucumbers are dark green with even coloring, and the fruits hang off the vine at nearly every leaf node.
11. Mini Munch
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Mini Munch’
Mini Munch is possibly the most adorable of all miniature cucumber varieties, with seedless and delicious fruits that are best picked between 3 and 4 inches long. The vines are extremely vigorous and prolific, producing an abundance of crispy and tasty cucumbers.
Want to make homemade cucumber trellis? Check out these free projects here
12. Baby Persian
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Baby Persian’
Looking for the Best Mini Cucumber Varieties? Baby Persian cucumbers are adorable and compact, perfect for small gardens or container planting. These mini cucumbers are known for their petite size, typically measuring around 3-4 inches in length.
13. Cucino
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Cucino’
Cucino cucumbers are a popular choice for those seeking a compact cucumber variety with excellent flavor. These mini cucumbers typically reach a length of 4-5 inches. These mini cucumber varieties are known for their high productivity.
14. Bush Slicer
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Bush Slicer’
Bush Slicer cucumbers are compact and bushy plants that produce an abundance of mini cucumbers. These cucumbers typically measure around 6-8 inches in length. With dark green skin covered in small bumps, they have an attractive appearance.
You can also use Epsom salt on your cucumber plants. To learn more, click here
15. Sweet Crunch
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Sweet Crunch’
As the name suggests, Sweet Crunch cucumbers are known for their exceptional taste and satisfying crunch. These are mini cucumber varieties that reach a length of 5-6 inches. They have vibrant green skin that is slightly ribbed.
16. Patio Snacker
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Patio Snacker’
These mini cucumber varieties are ideal for growing in limited spaces such as patio gardens or containers. They can reach a length of approximately 4-5 inches and are known for their excellent flavor and refreshing crunch.
17. H-19 Little Leaf
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘H-19 Little Leaf’
H-19 Little Leaf cucumbers are unique mini cucumber varieties with compact vines and small leaves. These cucumbers typically grow to a length of 4-5 inches. These mini cucumbers are perfect for slicing, snacking, or adding to salads.
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18. Green Fingers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Green Fingers’
Green Fingers cucumbers are slender and elongated mini cucumbers with a unique appearance, reaching a length of 4-6 inches. They are perfect for garnishing dishes or adding a crisp element to your favorite recipes.
19. Parisian Gherkin
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Parisian Gherkin’
Parisian Gherkin cucumbers are petite and highly prized for their use in pickling. These mini cucumbers typically measure around 2-3 inches in length and are excellent for making traditional pickles.
20. Miniature White
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Miniature White’
Last but not least on the list of mini cucumber varieties is the Miniature White. Miniature White cucumbers are small and delightful with unique coloration and reach a length of 3-4 inches. They have pale creamy-white skin that is smooth and tender.
Learn How to Grow Cucumbers in Unique Shapes here
Growing Small Cucumber Plants
Growing small cucumbers is simple, as they mature quickly so that you can enjoy your harvest in no time. If your garden space is limited, consider training your cucumber vines to grow vertically up a trellis, making the most of your area.
A cucumber trellis should be at least 4 to 5 feet tall. Prior to planting your cucumber seeds, work compost into the soil of your garden bed. You can begin your cucumber seeds indoors in early spring and transfer them to the garden once the temperature rises and the danger of frost has passed.
Small bush cucumber plants are also suitable for container gardening, making them an excellent choice for courtyards and balconies. Cucumber plants require full sun, so select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
After planting, most small cucumber varieties can be harvested in 50 to 70 days. Check the vines regularly and use garden shears or sharp scissors to harvest the cucumbers.
