Smooth varieties of cucumbers. Mid-season varieties
A feature of mid-season cucumbers is that they do not tolerate low temperatures, so they are sown at the end of May, when the threat of frost has passed and air temperature fluctuations are insignificant. But at the same time they are more resistant to diseases. Mid-season plants are mainly bee-pollinated.
Among the mid-season cucumbers we can distinguish:
- Vyaznikovsky 38.
- Competitor.
- Nezhinsky.
- Libella F1.
- Mother-in-law F1.
Vyaznikovsky 38 is a bee-pollinated mid-season variety intended for cultivation in open ground.
The fruits ripen in 60 days. The plant is resistant to diseases and temperature changes. The bushes are small, with short vines. The cucumbers are small with tubercles, suitable for use in salads and for pickling. Competitor is one of the most favorite mid-season varieties among gardeners. The plant is tall and strong. Resistant to diseases and temperature fluctuations. The first cucumbers are ready 50 days after planting. The plant is productive. Zelentsy have a dense skin with tubercles covered with black thorns. They have a delicate, sweet taste without bitterness. The fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and are used for winter preparations.
Nizhyn cucumbers are very popular among gardeners. This is a bee-pollinated, high-yielding plant with a long fruiting period. It is resistant to diseases and low temperatures. Nezhinsky cucumbers are great for canning. Zelentsy are medium in size, dark green in color, with large tubercles with black spines.
The Teshcha F 1 variety was developed quite recently, but it has already become a favorite among gardeners for its productivity and delicate cucumbers.
The plant is self-pollinating, weakly branched, low, drought-resistant, and is extremely rarely affected by diseases. Up to 7 ovaries are formed in the leaf axil. The fruits are green in color, lumpy, and are very good for pickling, as they do not have voids.
Climatic features of the conditions of the Leningrad region
Cucumbers are a heat-loving crop—growing the vegetable in cool climates is often difficult. The Leningrad region covers a large territory with different agroclimatic conditions. Growing cucumbers in open beds in the northeastern part is unproductive. But in the southern and central regions, subject to agrotechnical requirements, vegetable growers harvest 5-8 kg of leveled greens from an area of 1 m².
The Leningrad region is classified as a risky farming zone for a reason. According to meteorological data, significant temperature and climate fluctuations have been recorded between years. At least every 5 years, the region celebrates the late arrival of summer, during which there is a large amount of precipitation, few sunny days, and the mercury thermometer does not rise above 25 °C.
Cucumber varieties for the North-West. Cucumbers for the North-West
When talking about the North-West, the first thing that comes to mind is the Leningrad region. This, of course, also includes much more severe regions - the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, the Nenets Autonomous Okrug - well, these are already extremes. But first of all, in addition to the Leningrad region, these are the Kaliningrad, Pskov, Vologda regions, the Republic of Karelia and Komi.
In general, the region is quite harsh, with fewer warm summer days. This leaves its mark on the choice of cucumber varieties and methods of growing them (mainly greenhouse).
Let's list the varieties most suitable for the North-West:
- "Suomi F1" is a parthenocarpic early-ripening variety of universal cucumbers (suitable for salads, canning). The harvest ripens already on the 38th day after the first shoots appear on the surface. Women's flowers. Each node produces at least 3 flowers. Pimply greens are small - weighing about 53 g, short, oval in shape, with black pubescence. The hybrid demonstrates good resistance to powdery mildew and cladosporiosis. Marketable yield is 14.2 kg/m2.
- “Valaamsky F1” is a parthenocarpic early-ripening variety (first harvest 37-39 days after germination). The length of the fruit is no more than 6 cm, the maximum diameter is 3.5 cm. It is covered with many small, infrequent tubercles with black spines. The skin is strong and dense, the flesh is crispy and juicy. The fruits are not bitter. The hybrid is resistant to downy mildew, root rot and sudden temperature changes.
- "Sarov F1" is an early ripening parthenocarpic hybrid. The bush is indeterminate and grows tall. It needs to be formed into 1 stem. The flowers are mostly of the female type. Zelentsy are medium-sized, they weigh from 85 to 110 g. Their surface is covered with large tubercles topped with white spines. The harvest is formed together, it is important to collect it on time. When grown in open ground, the yield can reach 6.6 kg/m2, and in greenhouses – 15.5 kg/m2.
- "Altai Early 166" combines both early ripening and high yield. The variety is bee-pollinated, which means it needs to be grown in open ground. Fruiting occurs already on the 37-39th day after the emergence of seedlings on the surface. Despite the fact that it was bred back in 1958, it is famous for its resistance to fungal diseases and is characterized by increased cold resistance. Zelentsy are small - up to 10 cm in length, covered with many small tubercles. Their maximum weight does not exceed 80 g.
- "Lapland F1" is an early ripening variety of cucumbers. The first fruits are formed already on the 45th day. The development and setting of fruits is practically not stopped by short-term cold snaps characteristic of late spring and early summer in the northwestern region. Zelentsy reach a length of 9 cm, they are covered with sparse tubercles. First of all, they are suitable for pickling. The hybrid is resistant to dangerous diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew.
- "Karelian F1" is an early ripening variety. Harvest within 43 days after germination. Early ripening is complemented by high productivity. Female type flowers. Zelentsy are small – up to 9 cm in length. Their shape is spindle-shaped. The surface is covered with large tubercles. The hybrid is extremely resistant to powdery mildew and anthracnose, and resists bacteriosis well. This plant tolerates sudden temperature fluctuations well.
- "Petersburg Express F1" is one of the earliest hybrids. Fruiting occurs on the 38th day after emergence. The cylindrical greens have a length of no more than 9 cm. Large sparse tubercles are covered with black spines. This variety is resistant to bacteriosis and root rot. The main use is salting for the winter.
Ways to increase yield
There are several different methods, used in practice with varying degrees of success, that can minimize the risk of crop failure when growing cucumbers.
- Simultaneous planting of 3-4 different varieties or hybrids of cucumbers, which are intended for open ground. Under no circumstances should you think that if one variety produced an excellent harvest in a certain year, this situation will be repeated in the future. For planting, it is necessary to choose cold-resistant varieties zoned for the Leningrad region. The following key characteristics of cucumber varieties are disease resistance and relative early maturity (the best option is up to 45 days). In the conditions of the Leningrad region, it is not possible to wait for late varieties to ripen.
- Use of self-pollinating and parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers. Usually their use is recommended for greenhouses and greenhouses, but in the conditions of the northern regions it also makes sense. The reason is the small number of sunny days when insects are most active. On rainy and cloudy days, the rhythm of their life activity decreases, which leads to problems with pollination. At the same time, it is not worth completely excluding insect-pollinated cucumbers, since they are somewhat healthier and have their own undoubted advantages.
- Covering cucumbers. In cloudy and cold weather, and there are many such summer days in the Leningrad region, it is recommended to additionally protect the plants with ordinary film or some kind of covering non-woven material. This will require the manufacture and installation of supporting structures in the shape of an arc. They can also be useful for tying, which cucumbers also need.
An example of how to properly plant cucumbers is shown in the video:
The basic recommendations listed above should be followed.
Finely tuberous varieties of cucumbers. The best varieties of cucumbers for open ground
Cucumber varieties for open ground need to be chosen more pickily. Everything will depend on where your bed is located and how you will form the plant vines.
Barrel salting
mid-season (53-57 days) bee-pollinated variety for open ground. The plant is vigorous, climbing, with mixed flowering. The greens are large-tubercular, bright green with a waxy coating, 11-13 cm long, dense, crispy. The value of the variety: resistance to anthracnose, stable yield, retains commercial quality for a long time, when pickled and canned, the greens retain their density, shape and color, and do not form voids.
Elegant
early ripening (40-45 days) high-yielding bee-pollinated variety. The greens are cylindrical, finely tuberous, white-spiked, 10-12 cm long, weighing 90-100 g, crispy. When pickled and canned, cucumbers remain firm and crispy. Excellent for fresh consumption and canning. Increased resistance to diseases and adverse temperature conditions.
Zozulya
early ripening mid-early variety (45-48 days). Greenweed is cylindrical, sparsely tuberculate, 15-24 cm long. Fruits with a genetic lack of bitterness. Suitable for pickling (without long-term storage) and fresh consumption.
Micron
early ripening (38-45 days) bee-pollinated variety. The plant is medium-sized, medium-climbing. Zelentsy are short, large-tubercular, 6-8 cm long, do not outgrow. Characterized by massive and abundant fruiting, disease resistance, excellent taste and technological qualities, suitable for collecting pickles (2-4 cm) and mini-gherkins (4-6 cm) . Recommended for all types of canning and pickling.
Pickling
mid-early (45-55) bee-pollinated variety with a single type of ovary. Slightly lumpy fruits of universal use.
Reliable
early ripening (38-44 days), bee-pollinated variety of domestic selection for open ground. It has consistently high yields, regardless of weather conditions. The plant is long-climbing. The fruits are ellipsoidal, 10-11 cm long, weighing 80-125 g, large-tubercular, black-spiked, crispy, without bitterness. Recommended for canning.
Chinese climbing
late-ripening (55-70 days) bee-pollinated variety for open ground. The plant is long-climbing, medium-branched, of mixed flowering type. Zelentsy are cylindrical, tuberculate, green with a waxy coating, black-thorned, 10-12 cm long, weighing 100-130 g. Value of the variety: resistance to downy mildew and low temperatures, stable yield, marketability and pickling qualities. The purpose is universal.
Chinese farm
mid-early (48-54 days) bee-pollinated hybrid for growing in open ground (on trellises) and in greenhouses or tunnels with temporary film cover. The plant is powerful, intensively growing, and forms a single stem. The greens are smooth, cylindrical, often and coarsely tuberous, dark green, shiny, 30-40 cm long, very sweet, crispy and aromatic. The taste is excellent. The value of the hybrid: resistance to powdery mildew, fusarium, adverse weather conditions, shade tolerance, heat resistance, consistently high yield. Recommended for fresh consumption, canning and pickling in slices.
How to plant and grow a cucumber: planting dates and plant care rules
Cucumbers are planted immediately in the garden or seedlings are pre-prepared at the end of spring. Before sowing, the seeds, for disinfection, are placed for several hours in a pink solution of potassium permanganate. Hybrid varieties are sold already treated with growth stimulants; they do not need to be soaked. It is advisable to plant cucumbers in partial shade. The culture does not tolerate the sun. Recommended soil is loam enriched with organic and mineral substances.
Growing cucumbers in a greenhouse and greenhouses
Cucumbers are grown in two ways - without seedlings or using seedlings. With the seedless method, cucumbers are planted in a constructed greenhouse at the end of May, when the air temperature warms up to 15-16 degrees Celsius. In a greenhouse, cucumber seeds can be sown as early as the first or second week of May.
Seeds for seedlings are sown at the end of April or at the beginning of May, in special peat pots or plastic cups. It is advisable to sow one seed in each container. Plants germinate very quickly - already on the second day.
No more than 20 days should pass before the seedlings are transferred to a greenhouse or greenhouse. During this period, the seedling should grow to 15 centimeters and have 4 true leaves. Water the seedlings regularly and make sure that the soil in the pot does not dry out. Cucumbers don't dive. Grown seedlings are transferred to a permanent place along with a lump of earth, trying not to injure the roots, at the end of May or at the beginning of June.
Selecting seeds for planting
Why can't vegetables for one area be grown in another? In the state testing system, there are areas where those varieties are grown that want to register different hybrids. They are assessed on a competitive basis based on many parameters. The variety or hybrid is approved by the State Commission for Variety Testing for zoning in a region with a similar climate. This register is updated with hundreds of species every year.
In order for a variety to be included in this list, it has been tested for several years in different regions of the Russian Federation. A lot of species are brought to us from abroad, and they do not take root. Such seeds are most often not tested for contamination, which is why these cucumbers get sick, and on top of that they bring foreign diseases to us.
Some gardeners themselves breed different varieties. Many people think that it is not dangerous. However, very often their seeds do not correspond to one or another variety. They are low-yielding and easily catch diseases. Plus, during the process of breeding seeds, you need to comply with many requirements. And self-taught people don’t even know that they exist, they just deduce them at random. Professional breeders maintain the variety all the time. By selecting the best cucumbers, they produce seeds that are ideal for their chosen climate, in our case the Leningrad region. By selecting the best plants from the control nursery that produce only original seeds, they then make strict controls so that the new species can produce the same seeds. Breeders do not allow seeds for sale that do not pass GOST.
You also need to remember that selection is carried out away from other species and crops in order to avoid cross-pollination. It is impossible to comply with this condition in dacha conditions. Gardeners also try to grow hybrids themselves and fail. Why? Yes, because the breeder crosses the parental lines with the help of bees or even with his own hands, because only the one bred under such conditions has the desired effect. Subsequent reproduction leads to the loss of all the advantages and the strengthening of all the disadvantages.
Buy seeds only in original packaging
Pay attention to the packaging bags. Packages that are too bright should alert you
Russian-made seeds are most often packaged in the simplest paper bags, however, they are of very high quality.
Before you go to the store, think about what exactly you want to buy, because when you see hundreds of beautiful packages, you won’t even know what to take. There is no need to take seeds from the market, in stalls, or from anyone who cannot provide you with documents. The date on the packaging must indicate the sell-by date. Choose those packages where the dates are stamped, since the typographic method is very easy to fake. Also on the bag itself should be written the name of the crop, the characteristics of the cucumbers themselves, the weight of the seeds, whether they comply with GOST, the manufacturer’s contacts, the country barcode and the batch number. Very often the packages contain recommendations for sowing and a photograph of the fruit itself. Sometimes summer residents buy counterfeit goods, tempted by the low price. Remember that those cucumbers that were bred in the CIS are not tested in Russia, since the climate is almost identical anyway. Therefore, be guided by the certificates of this country and see if the varieties are suitable for you. These are truly imported seeds that undergo full testing.
You can almost never see the seed germination percentage on the packaging. However, the seller must have a quality certificate. After purchasing seeds, be sure to keep the receipt, and after sowing, keep the bag. If you have collected both, then if you have problems, you can contact the seller, and if he says that it is not his fault, then you can go to court, since you have proof of purchase from this particular seller!
