The County Fair Cucumber

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Characteristics of the County Fair Cucumber

The County Fair cucumber is a vining variety of cucumber that grows about 18 to 24 inches tall and spreads about four to five feet.

This cucumber’s bright yellow blooms are almost all female, allowing the plant to produce a steady and bountiful crop of firm, blocky green fruits about six to eight inches in length.

Plant Traits

Hands down, the County Fair cucumber’s most talked-about trait is its resistance to bacterial wilt, a common disease spread by the cucumber beetle.

Home chefs also love that this cucumber variety is seedless, as long as the plant is isolated from other varieties of cucumbers.

The County Fair Cucumber’s Taste

The County Fair cucumber is one of several newer varieties of cucumber categorized as bitter-free or burpless.

That means it’ll never taste sour, bitter, or tart, flavors you might associate with other cucumber varieties.

Add to that sweet taste a crisp, crunchy texture and you’ll see why this special cucumber is perfect for slicing fresh.

Health Benefits

Trying to remember to stay hydrated?

Cucumbers are made up almost entirely of water. Keep some slices in the fridge and snack on them as part of your hydration plan.

High in soluble fiber, cucumbers also support digestive health and act as a natural appetite suppressant. They’re extremely low in calories, too.

And they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and other antioxidants that support immune defense.

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How to Use County Fair Cucumbers

These sweet cucumbers are delicious all on their own, especially straight from the garden.

But the culinary possibilities for cucumbers are just about endless. They’re a truly versatile food you can find in recipes from all over the world.

Refrigerator Dill Pickles

The size of the County Fair cucumber makes it ideal for pickling. And you don’t have to be experienced with canning to enjoy some homemade pickles.

Here’s a super simple recipe for Refrigerator Dill Pickles that only takes about 20 minutes to prep.

Pickles make a quick, healthy snack to keep on hand for adults and kids alike. But of course, the best thing to do with a dill pickle is pair it with a burger or your favorite sandwich.

Need some quart jars for your new pickling hobby? I recommend using wide-mouth canning jars.

And keep a few spare jars on hand in case you ever need to throw together a quick pickled gift!

Thai Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is an easy side dish or snack you can make with ingredients you already have on hand.

There are lots of cucumber salad recipes out there. But this mouth-watering Thai Cucumber Salad topped with roasted peanuts is a must-try.

Try creating your own recipe, too. Just experiment with your favorite herbs, spices, cheeses, and accoutrements.

Basil Cucumber Smash

How does a garden-fresh cocktail sound?

Seedless cucumbers are perfect to use in drinks, both as ingredients and garnishes.

This beautiful Basil Cucumber Smash recipe will set you up to impress your guests. It’s easy to make, and you can show off some fresh herbs from your garden, too.

Swap the vodka for gin if you prefer, and float an edible flower on top for a little extra whimsy.

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How to Grow County Fair Cucumbers

Where Do Cucumbers Grow?

Cucumbers tend to prefer warm, humid climates with lots of daytime sunlight.

If you have adequate light but live in a cooler climate, you may still be able to grow cucumbers.

Consider using row covers if you’re concerned about low temperatures in your garden. They keep your plants warm in the cold, and are easy to install and remove.

Growing County Fair Cucumbers

Thinking about starting a cucumber patch of your own? Here’s what you need to know about the right conditions for growing healthy cucumbers.

Soil Type

Cucumbers prefer loose or sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

They’ll produce their best fruit when planted in high-quality organic soil mixed well with plant-based compost.

Light Required

Cucumbers need full sun exposure, so be sure you have somewhere to grow them where they’ll get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Placement

Plants should be spaced about nine to twelve inches apart.

Most importantly, make sure to keep your County Fair cucumber isolated from other varieties of cucumbers. This is how you’ll ensure your cucumbers will be seedless.

Planting Cucumbers

When you’re all prepped and ready to plant your new cucumber garden, head over to our guide on How to Plant Cucumbers for a step-by-step to get you started.

Have a small space that might be just right for a more compact cucumber? Another great cultivar to consider is the Spacemaster, a bush variety of cucumber that you can even grow in containers.

When to Harvest

Your cucumbers will be ready to harvest when they’re between 4 to 8 inches long.

Regular pruning will keep your plant producing fruit, so check in on it often and make sure to remove cucumbers before they grow too large.

Always use clean, sharp pruning shears or a sharp knife when harvesting cucumbers. Making a clean cut will help you remove the fruit without pulling on the vine or contaminating the plant.

Time to Try a County Fair Cucumber!

Now that you know all about County Fair cucumbers, the only thing left to do is try one!

And check out our Cucumber Plants page to keep learning about all things cucumbers.

Getting started on your seed growing journey? Use my seed starting guide to find care guides, helpful tips, product suggestions, and more!