57 Types Of Cucumbers From A to Z (With Photos!)

From American Slicing to Wautoma Cucumber, we’re covering the most popular types of cucumber from A to Z in this helpful guide to a worldwide favorite veggie!

Cucumbers are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw, pickled, or cooked in a variety of dishes, on salads, and even desserts!

You will generally only find 2-3 cucumber varieties at your local grocery store, but in this article you will find that there are dozens of varieties of cucumber grown across the world.

If you go to an international market, you will find a much wider variety of cucumbers, but you can also consider growing your own. They grow well in a variety of climates and many can be grown in a pot on an apartment balcony.

We will look at 57 different varieties of cucumbers, categorized as either slicing or pickling cucumbers. But this isn’t an exact science.

Some cucumbers work fine in salads or pickling while others have a more specific use. You may sometimes see cucumbers categorized as specialty, seedless, or even container cucumbers.

Types Of Slicing Cucumbers

A slicing cucumber is a variety of cucumber that is typically longer and has a thinner skin. It is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a refreshing snack due to its crisp texture and mild flavor.

American Slicing Cucumber (Garden Cucumber)

American slicing cucumbers are the most common type of cucumber found in grocery stores. They’re long and cylindrical with a dark green skin and have a mild flavor. American slicing cucumbers are perfect for salads or as a topping for sandwiches. 

Armenian Cucumbers

Armenian cucumbers, also known as snake cucumbers or yard-long cucumbers, are long and thin with a pale green skin and few seeds. They have a mild, sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. Armenian cucumbers are a popular choice for salads and sandwiches, but they can also be used for pickling. They are often harvested when they are about 12 inches or so as they quickly become bitter with growth.

Beit Alpha Cucumber

Beit Alpha cucumbers are small and round with a thin, edible skin. They have a sweet, mild flavor and are perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a snack on their own. Beit Alpha cucumbers are often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Boothby Blond Cucumber

This variety looks like the Lemon Cucumbers also discussed in this article, but are a completely different cultivar. They were named after the Boothby family who developed them and are typically only 3 inches long and turn an unusual bright orange when ripe.

Burpless #26 Cucumber

Burpless #26 is a popular cucumber variety that is known for its mild flavor and crisp texture. It is seedless and has a thin skin, making it a great choice for salads or pickling though they are not considered pickling cucumbers.

Bush Champion Cucumber

Bush Champion is a compact cucumber plant that is ideal for small gardens or containers. Bush Champions are popular with home gardeners as they produces high yields of 6-8 inch long cucumbers with a mild flavor and crunchy texture.

Chelsea Slice Cucumber

Chelsea Slice cucumbers are a popular variety that are known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and even pickling. These cucumbers are typically harvested when they are about 6-8 inches long and have a dark green color with light green stripes.

Chinese Cucumbers

Chinese cucumbers, also known as Mao gourd, are long and slender with a bumpy skin. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are often used in Chinese cuisine. Chinese cucumbers are perfect for adding texture to salads or as a garnish.

Chinese Snake Cucumber

Chinese Snake Cucumbers, also known as Serpent Cucumbers, are a unique type of cucumber that can grow up to 2 feet in length. They have a thin, delicate skin and a sweet, juicy flesh that is perfect for salads and sandwiches. These cucumbers are typically grown in Asia and are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine.

Crystal Apple White Spine Cucumber

This cucumber with an elongated name only grows to about 5-6 inches. This small white cucumber does not look at all like a cucumber with a much rounder shape. They are generally used as a slicing cucumber and not often pickled.

Dasher II Cucumber

Dasher II is a high-yielding cucumber variety that is disease-resistant and easy to grow. It produces straight, dark green cucumbers with a crisp texture and sweet flavor.

Diva Cucumber

Diva is a popular cucumber variety that is known for its thin, tender skin and sweet flavor. It is seedless and has a crisp, juicy texture that makes it a favorite for salads and sandwiches.

Early Frame Cucumber

Early Frame cucumbers are a popular variety that are known for their early maturity and high yield. They are typically harvested when they are about 6-7 inches long and have a dark green color with white spines. These cucumbers are ideal as both a slicing and pickling cucumber.

Early Pride Cucumber

Early Pride is an early-maturing cucumber variety that produces high yields of 6-8 inch long cucumbers with a crisp texture and mild flavor. It is disease-resistant and ideal for cool climates. This is yet another good option for growing your own.

English Cucumbers

English cucumbers, also known as seedless cucumbers or hot house cucumbers, are long and narrow with a thin skin and few seeds.They are usually wrapped in plastic to protect them during transport and storage. English cucumbers are a popular choice for salads and sandwiches because of their mild flavor and crunchy texture. They are also great for pickling because they hold their shape well. Together with American cucumbers, English cucumbers are the two most commonly available cucumbers at most groceries.

Fanfare Cucumber

Fanfare is a unique cucumber variety that is known for its distinctive shape and flavor. It produces short, fat cucumbers with a sweet, crisp texture and mild flavor.

Lemon Cucumber

Lemon cucumbers are small and round with a yellow skin that looks like a lemon. They have a mild, sweet flavor and a tender texture. Lemon cucumbers are a great choice for salads and snacks, but can also be used for pickling. They are often harvested when they are still small, so they don’t develop a tough skin.

Long Green Improved Cucumber

Long Green Improved is a traditional cucumber variety that is still popular today. It produces long, slender cucumbers with a crisp texture and mild flavor.

Marketer Cucumber

Marketer is a disease-resistant cucumber variety that produces high yields of straight, dark green cucumbers with a crisp texture and mild flavor. It is ideal for slicing or pickling.

Marketmore 76 Cucumber

Marketmore 76 is a popular cucumber variety that produces long, dark green cucumbers with a sweet flavor and crisp texture. It is disease-resistant and ideal for growing at home.

Muncher Cucumber

Muncher is a type of cucumber that is small and crunchy. It is a great choice for snacking or adding to salads. Muncher cucumbers have a thin skin and small seeds, making them easy to digest. They also have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods. They would be good in this Tzatziki Cucumber Salad.

Orient Express II Cucumber

Orient Express II cucumbers are a hybrid variety that are known for their disease resistance and high yield. They are typically harvested when they are about 8-10 inches long and have a dark green color with white spines.

Persian Cucumbers

Persian cucumbers are smaller than English cucumbers, with a thinner skin and a sweeter flavor. They are often sold in small packages and are a popular choice for snacking, as well as for use in salads and sandwiches. Persian cucumbers also do well in pickling because they have a firm texture that holds up well.

Salad Bush Cucumber

Salad Bush is a type of cucumber that is small and compact. It is perfect for growing in containers or small gardens. Salad Bush cucumbers have a sweet and mild flavor, making them a great addition to salads or sandwiches.

Sikkim Cucumber

These cucumbers grow fat and large with a rust-like red color. They are grown in the Himalayan Mountain region of Nepal and often used in stir fry. 

Spacemaster Cucumber

Spacemaster is a type of cucumber that is perfect for small gardens or containers. It is a compact plant that produces short, crisp cucumbers. Spacemaster cucumbers have a thin skin and small seeds, making them perfect for snacking.

Straight Eight Cucumber

Straight Eight is a type of cucumber that is known for its straight shape and smooth skin. It is a popular variety due to its crisp texture and mild flavor.

Sugar Crunch Cucumber

Sugar Crunch is a small and sweet cucumber. It is a great choice for snacking or adding to salads. Sugar Crunch cucumbers have a thin skin and small seeds, making them easy to digest. They also have a crisp texture that adds a satisfying crunch to any dish.

Suyo Long Cucumbers

Suyo long cucumbers are long and slender with a ribbed skin. They have a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Suyo long cucumbers are often used in Asian cuisine and are perfect for salads or as a garnish.

Sweet Slice Cucumber

Sweet Slice is a type of cucumber that is known for its sweet flavor and thin skin. It is a great choice for adding to salads or inclusion on a veggie tray. Sweet Slice cucumbers have a crisp texture and are perfect for slicing.

Sweet Success Cucumber

Sweet Success is a type of cucumber that is perfect for home gardens. It is a disease-resistant variety that produces long, slender cucumbers with a sweet flavor. Sweet Success cucumbers have a crisp texture and are perfect for slicing or pickling.

Tanja Cucumber

Tanja is a type of cucumber that is popular in Europe. It is known for its dark green skin and long, slender shape. Tanja cucumbers have a crisp texture and mild flavor. They are perfect for slicing  into salads.

Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber

Tendergreen Burpless is a type of cucumber that is known for its tender flesh and mild flavor. It is a great choice for adding to salads or eating as a snack. Tendergreen Burpless cucumbers have a thin skin and small seeds, making them easy to digest.

Tendergreen cucumbers

Tendergreen cucumbers are a popular variety that are known for their tender skin and juicy flesh. They are typically harvested when they are about 6-8 inches long and have a dark green color with white spines. These cucumbers are ideal for salads and sandwiches and are often used in Asian cuisine.

Types Of Pickling Cucumbers

A pickling cucumber is a smaller cucumber variety specifically grown for pickling. Pickling cucumbers are typically shorter and have a bumpy or warty skin. They are ideal for preserving in vinegar or brine to make pickles, providing a tangy and crunchy taste.

Cucumbers are versatile, but many varieties are seen as best used for pickling (brined cucumbers). If you haven’t tried pickling, it is easy. Check out our DIY guide Ultimate Guide to Quick Pickled Vegetables. For specific information on pickling cucumbers check out the Easy Guide to Cucumber Pickling.

Alabi Cucumber

The Alabi cucumber is a popular variety of cucumber that is native to Nigeria. It is known for its sweet and crisp flavor and is commonly used in salads, pickles, and sandwiches. This cucumber variety is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Boston Pickling Cucumber

This classic pickling cucumber has a slightly tapered shape and a dark green skin with small bumps or spines. It’s known for its crisp texture and tangy flavor, which makes it a favorite among pickle lovers.

Burpee Pickler Cucumber

This cucumber variety was developed by the Burpee Seed Company and is a favorite among home gardeners. It has a smooth, straight shape and a thin skin that’s easy to pickle. It’s also resistant to many common cucumber diseases.

Bush Pickle Cucumber

As its name suggests, this cucumber variety is ideal for growing in small spaces or containers. It produces a high yield of small, dark green cucumbers that are perfect for pickling.

Calypso Cucumber

This hybrid cucumber has a unique striped skin and a slightly sweeter flavor than other pickling cucumbers. It’s also known for its resistance to many common cucumber diseases.

Carolina Cucumber

This heirloom cucumber is native to the Southern USA, and is prized for its crisp texture and thin skin. It’s a great choice for making bread and butter pickles.

Double Yield Cucumber

The Double Yield cucumber is a high-yielding variety that produces a large number of cucumbers per plant. This variety is known for its crisp texture and juicy, sweet flavor. The Double Yield cucumber is perfect for making pickles, but it can also be eaten raw or used in salads.

Excelsior Pickling Cucumber

The Excelsior Pickling cucumber is a popular variety of cucumber that is commonly used in pickling. It has a thick skin and a crisp texture, making it perfect for preserving in brine. This variety is also known for its excellent flavor, making it a popular choice for pickling enthusiasts.

Fancipak Cucumber

This cucumber variety has a slightly curved shape and a bright green skin. It’s known for its crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Homemade Pickles

This cucumber variety was developed specifically for pickling and is a favorite among home gardeners. It has a thin skin and a small size, which makes it easy to pickle.

Jersey Pickling Cucumber

The Jersey Pickling cucumber is a classic variety of cucumber that is known for its firm texture and uniform size, a definite advantage for pickling. While commonly used in pickling, it can also be eaten raw or used in salads. 

Kirby Cucumber

Kirby cucumbers, also sometimes called pickling cucumbers, are small and bumpy with a thick skin and lots of seeds. They are the traditional choice for making pickles because they have a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter flavor. 

Liberty Cucumber

The Liberty cucumber is a popular variety that is known for its crisp texture and refreshing taste. This cucumber variety is perfect for eating raw, and it is also commonly used in salads and sandwiches. The Liberty cucumber is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Little Leaf H-19 Cucumber

This cucumber variety is ideal for growing in hot and humid climates. It’s resistant to many common cucumber diseases and produces a high yield of small, dark green cucumbers.

Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumbers

Mexican sour gherkin cucumbers, also known as cucamelons, are small, grape-sized cucumbers with a tart, sour flavor. They’re often used in Mexican cuisine and are great for pickling or adding to salads.

National Pickling Cucumber

The National Pickling cucumber has a straight shape and a dark green skin with small bumps or spines. It’s known for its crisp texture and slightly tart flavor. It is popular with gardeners due to its high yields. The National Pickling cucumber is also, like most cucumbers, rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for pickling enthusiasts.

Parisian Cucumber

This cucumber variety is known for its small size and unique round shape. It’s a popular choice for making cornichon pickles.

Pick a Bushel Cucumber

This cucumber variety is ideal for making dill pickles. It has a slightly tapered shape and a bright green skin.

Picklebush Cucumber

This compact cucumber variety is perfect for growing in small spaces or containers. It produces a high yield of small, dark green cucumbers that are ideal for pickling.

Poinsett 76 Cucumber

Poinsett 76 is a type of cucumber that is commonly grown in the southern United States. It is known for its dark green skin and crisp texture. Poinsett 76 cucumbers are best used for pickling, but can also be eaten fresh.

Supremo Cucumber

This cucumber variety has a slightly curved shape and a bright green skin. It’s known for its crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Wautoma Cucumber

The Wautoma cucumber is a versatile variety that can be used for pickling, eating raw, or cooking. It has a thin skin and a sweet, juicy flavor that makes it a popular choice for salads and sandwiches. This cucumber variety is also  said to be particularly high in fiber and vitamin C, making it a healthy addition to any meal.