Västerås cucumber – a classic Swedish pickling cucumber
Västerås cucumber is a traditional Swedish cucumber variety primarily grown for pickling, but it is just as delicious eaten fresh. It produces a heavy yield, grows quickly and is relatively easy to cultivate – making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. In northern climates, Västerås cucumber thrives best in greenhouses, conservatories or large containers placed in a warm, sheltered location, but it can also be grown outdoors during particularly warm summers.
This guide walks you step by step through sowing, planting and care – helping you grow strong plants and enjoy an abundant cucumber harvest.
When to sow Västerås cucumber
Västerås cucumber grows quickly and should not be sown too early. Sow seeds 4–6 weeks before planting out, usually in April–May.
Plant outdoors when:
• All risk of frost has passed
• Night temperatures are consistently above approx. 15 °C
• The soil is warm
In most parts of Sweden and northern Europe, planting out takes place from early to mid-June.
Sowing Västerås cucumber indoors – step by step
Fill pots with seed compost
Use small pots (approx. 8 cm) or seed trays with light, airy compost.
Sow the seeds
Place 1–2 seeds per pot, about 1 cm deep. Cover lightly with soil.
Water and keep warm
Water gently and place pots in a warm location, ideally 22–25 °C. Cover with a lid or plastic with air holes until germination.
Provide light immediately after germination
Once seedlings emerge, remove the cover and place them in a very bright spot. Reduce temperature slightly to around 18–20 °C.
Water evenly
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Cucumbers are sensitive to drying out.
Pot on into larger containers
When plants have 3–4 true leaves, transplant into nutrient-rich compost. Handle roots carefully – cucumbers dislike disturbance.
Planting in greenhouse or containers
Choose the right location
Västerås cucumber loves:
• Warmth
• Sun
• Shelter from wind
Greenhouses, balconies and sunny patios are ideal.
Soil and pot size
Use rich, humus-based compost
Containers should hold at least 10–15 litres
Ensure good drainage
Planting
Water plants before planting
Plant at the same depth as before
Water thoroughly after planting
Install supports or strings immediately
Care during the growing season
Watering
Cucumbers require plenty of water:
• Water frequently and generously
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Container-grown plants may need daily watering in hot weather
Irregular watering can cause bitter or misshapen cucumbers.
Feeding
Västerås cucumber is nutrient-hungry:
• Start feeding 2–3 weeks after planting out
• Feed weekly throughout the season
• Use liquid vegetable fertiliser or organic feed
Training
Tie plants as they grow
Use string in greenhouses or sturdy canes in pots
Tie loosely to avoid damaging stems
Pruning
In greenhouses:
• Remove the first flowers to allow plant establishment
• Pinch out side shoots for airflow
• Thin fruits if many develop at once
Outdoor plants can usually grow more freely.
Common problems and solutions
Bitter cucumbers
→ Cause: uneven or insufficient watering
→ Solution: water regularly and generously
Spider mites (greenhouse)
→ Pale spots and fine webbing
→ Increase humidity and mist plants
Powdery mildew
→ White coating on leaves
→ Remove affected leaves and improve airflow
Slugs (outdoors)
→ Protect plants and keep growing area clean
Harvest – when and how
Harvest frequently, several times a week
Pick cucumbers while firm and medium-sized
Use scissors or a knife to avoid damaging the plant
The more you harvest, the more cucumbers the plant will produce.
Västerås cucumber is excellent both fresh and pickled. Smaller fruits are perfect for pickling, while slightly larger ones are ideal for salads.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2026-01-08