Anyway, two somewhat dependable varieties that grow well for me are Lemon and Miss Pickler, both of which grow fairly strong healthy vines, but neither start producing for me until about a month before frost, when the days are getting noticeably shorter.

In past years, I've tried many varieties that catalogs said were for northern climates, but I haven't had much luck. I don't think that many seed companies test cucumbers here in Maine, except Pinetree Seeds and possibly Fedco. Haven't had much luck with Fedco in the past, though. This year, I was thinking about trying West Indian Gherkin, Mexican Sour Gherkin, and the parthenocarpic varieties Sweet Success, Diva, Sweet Slice, & Vertina. The parthenocarpic varieties produce fruit even when not pollinated. Though that only works if the plants survive and bloom in a timely manner. Also, maybe an Asian one. Haven't had any luck with them in the past, but who knows?

So, what cucumbers grow well for you?

-NWL

Johnny's Selected Seeds is a Maine seed company, and they definitely test seeds here in Maine. They even breed them here in Maine, and win awards with the varieties that they breed.

I prefer their Diva cucumber, because it has a mild taste and, if it isn't pollinated by any other cucumbers, it will be seedless.

It's the only cucumber I grow, but occasionally a bee will cross pollinate it with one of our neighbor's cucumbers. But even with seeds, I still like their taste. Diva is too mild for some people's taste, and it's not a pickling cucumber. I will pick one, wash it under the faucet, slice it on a plate, pour on some Ranch Dressing, and I have an afternoon snack. You don't need to peel the slices, because the skin itself is very mild and smooth.

MM