Sliced and whole Monika Cucumbers with cucumber salad in a bowl on a white background.
Monika Cucumber in pickling solution.
Monika Cucumbers in wooden bowl.
Monica Cucumbers; halved, sliced and quartered.
Sliced and whole Monika Cucumbers with cucumber salad in a bowl on a white background.
Monika Cucumber in pickling solution.
Monika Cucumbers in wooden bowl.
Monica Cucumbers; halved, sliced and quartered.

Cucumber Seeds,
Monika

4.323 ReviewsSKU: #CU184Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Cucumis sativus). From our Polish grower, who recommends ‘Monika’ for pickles. This one is parthenocarpic, which simply means it doesn’t need pollination to set fruit. This is great news to gardeners who find they lack local bee populations to pollinate regular cucumbers. It also means you can grow pickling cukes under glass. Makes a nice slicer as well.

Growing Tips: Monika cucumber produces fruits with excellent uniformity and mild flavor. This early-yielding cuke is ideal for slicing and thrives in warm, sunny locations. With resistance to common cucumber diseases, it is well-suited to home gardens and commercial plots. Trellising encourages straight fruit, better airflow, and easier harvesting. Harvest young for best taste and texture. Some afternoon shade is beneficial in the hottest summer weather.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis sativus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–14
Days to Maturity
50–55
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Monika cucumber seeds directly outdoors after your last frost date when the soil temperature has warmed to 70°F or above. In shorter growing seasons, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting. This heat-loving variety performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Choose a sunny site with loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and space 12 to 18 inches apart. For best results, add compost to enrich soil before planting. Install a trellis or cage at planting time to keep fruit off the ground, encourage vertical growth, and prevent plant sprawl.

How to Grow

Water deeply at the base of plants, keeping soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Avoid wetting leaves to minimize disease. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with an organic, balanced blend. Harvest cucumbers regularly at 5–6 inches long to maintain plant productivity and ensure high-quality fruit.

How to Save Seeds

  • Ensure that your Monika cucumbers have been pollinated (they will have seeds).
  • Allow fruits to fully ripen on the vine (they will turn yellow or orange).
  • Scoop out seeds and pulp into a jar or bowl with water.
  • Ferment at room temperature for 2–3 days, stirring daily.
  • Rinse seeds thoroughly and dry on a screen or paper towel for 1–2 weeks.
  • Store in a cool, dry place in a labeled and dated airtight container.

FAQ

Is Monika cucumber a hybrid or heirloom?

Monika is not an old heirloom; it comes from our Polish grower and is parthenocarpic, setting fruit without pollination, which suits it to growing under glass or where bee activity is low. Fruit set that way holds little or no viable seed, so this is not a variety to save seed from.

Can Monika cucumbers be grown in containers?

Yes, Monika cucumbers can thrive in large containers with proper drainage. Use a trellis or vertical support to encourage upward growth and ensure good airflow and space efficiency.

How often should I harvest Monika cucumbers?

Harvest every 1–2 days once fruit begins forming. Picking at 5–6 inches ensures sweet flavor, crisp texture, and continued productivity throughout the growing season. Avoid leaving fruits on the vine too long.

Browse our full range of cucumber seeds.
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