Content
It sounds a little scary, but the cucumber has been known to mankind for more than six thousand years. It is quite natural that over the period of such a long acquaintance, many thousands of the most diverse varieties and hybrids were bred, helping to even more fully reveal the wonderful qualities and properties of one of the most popular vegetables. One of these properties was the ability to self-pollinate, improved and consolidated in many varieties. High-yielding, self-pollinating varieties of cucumbers for open ground are one of the most common options for solving the problems of vegetable growers characteristic of central Russia. What benefits does this quality bring in domestic conditions?
Self-pollinating varieties of cucumbers - concept and advantages
Very often, the term self-pollinating refers to varieties of cucumbers that do not require pollination by bees or other plants. Actually this is not true. Two varieties of cucumbers do not require the participation of bees or other insects in the formation of fruits, namely:
- parthencarpic varieties of cucumbers (self-fertile). They do not need pollination at all, so their fruits do not contain seeds;
- self-pollinating varieties of cucumbers. They have both pistil and stamens in their flowers, that is, they are absolutely self-sufficient. The pollination process occurs within one plant, and the fruits, which is completely natural, have seeds.
Parthenocarpic and self-pollinating varieties are largely similar in terms of the techniques and agricultural techniques used in their cultivation, as well as the advantages they have.
What are the advantages of these varieties of cucumbers, due to the presence of which they have become so widespread?
Firstly, these varieties are ideal for growing in greenhouses and greenhouses, where it is not always possible to provide free access to bees. This makes it much easier than bee-pollinated varieties, their cultivation, since there is no need to specially attract insects.
Secondly, and this is more important for the topic of this article, parthenocarpic and self-pollinating varieties are best suited for open ground in central Russia and even more northern regions of the country. The fact is that the number of sunny and warm days, when bees are most active, is small in these regions. Therefore, an important advantage is the possibility of fruiting on cold and cloudy days. This is precisely what distinguishes self-pollinating varieties of cucumbers, which have long been recognized as the best for central Russia.
The best varieties of self-pollinating cucumbers for open ground
Currently, there are many hybrids of self-pollinating cucumbers, including both early and late ones. But given the need for cultivation in open ground, early varieties of cucumbers are in great demand and popularity in domestic conditions.
April F1
The April F1 hybrid is one of the most common and popular for most regions of Russia.
It is highly resistant to cold temperatures, as well as resistant to common mosaic virus and olive spot virus.
This combination of qualities allowed the hybrid to gain not only wide distribution, but also well-deserved recognition among gardeners. The fruits are distinguished by the presence of characteristic large tubercles ending in white spines, have a classic dark green skin color and white flesh. Cucumbers are quite large, often exceeding 20 cm in length, reaching a weight of 200-250 g. Up to 8-12 fruits can form in one node. The ripening period of the first fruits is no later than 50 days. The hybrid is a universal one, exhibiting excellent taste when consumed in any form. Hybrid seeds are widely available.
Herman F1
Hybrid Herman F1 is rightfully considered one of the most productive among cucumbersgrown in open ground. It belongs to the early ripening (the first harvest appears after 45 days) parthenocarpic varieties.
It differs from other high-yielding hybrids in its stability from year to year, which is also achieved by high resistance to several common diseases: cladosporiosis, both types of powdery mildew - downy and common, mosaic virus.
Cucumbers have a very pleasant and bright green color, large tubercles. The fruits are not large, their weight rarely exceeds 100 g, and their length is usually 8-10 cm. As a rule, no more than 6-7 fruits ripen in one node. The hybrid, like the previous one, is universal, which makes it even more attractive for gardeners.Hybrid seeds are produced by many leading seed farms.
Friendly family F1
The hybrid Friendly Family F1 is considered one of the most stable varieties, the yield of which depends little on climatic and weather conditions. In addition to resistance to temperature changes, the hybrid is highly resistant to most viral and fungal diseases, the most common in domestic conditions. Cucumbers have a characteristic white pubescence and a large number of tubercles, a pleasant and discreet light green color. The fruits rarely exceed 12 cm in length with a typical weight of approximately 90-95 grams. The hybrid brings the first harvest already on 43-48 days, if you count from the moment the sprouts appear. According to the method of use, it is considered universal, allowing use in salads, canning and pickling. The number of fruits in a node can vary greatly and range from 4 to 8 pieces. Hybrid seeds are easy to purchase in most specialty stores.
Zozulya F1
Hybrid Zozulya F1 is a self-pollinating and early-ripening (the first fruits can be collected on the 40th day) variety of cucumbers, while partially parthenocarpic. And this is not its only feature. In addition, it has excellent resistance to diseases and viruses. Cucumbers are quite large in size, often reaching 22 cm in length and weighing 300 grams. The fruits have a distinct classic green color with large tubercles. The hybrid is considered to be universal in its method of consumption. Since the fruits are large in size, there are rarely more than 2-3 of them in one node. Seeds are found in many stores specializing in this topic.
Claudia F1
The Claudius F1 hybrid differs from others in its pronounced, very strong weaving of leaves, despite the fact that their number is not very large. Along with German F1, it is also high-yielding. This is achieved by resistance to most diseases and low dependence on climatic conditions. The fruits are small in size (length - no more than 12 cm, weight - 85-90 g) and elliptical in shape, the surface of the cucumbers is covered with a large number of small tubercles and white pubescence. Despite the fact that cucumbers do not reach significant sizes, their number in a node rarely exceeds 2-3 pieces. Hybrid seeds are readily available and widely available.
Ant F1
Hybrid Ant F1 is parthenocarpic ultra-early variety of cucumbers for open ground. The first cucumbers ripen at 35-39 days. The plant is characterized by a bunch type of flowering and slight branching. The fruits are usually small in size (reaching 12 cm in length), large tubercles and a regular cylinder shape. The popularity of the hybrid is due to its resistance to almost all diseases that are widespread in domestic conditions. It is not difficult to purchase hybrid seeds in specialized stores.
Masha F1
Hybrid Masha F1 is in many ways similar to the previous one (ultra-early ripening, parthenocarpic, bunch type of flowering, resistance to many viruses and diseases), but has several differences. Firstly, it has greater productivity. Secondly, it bears fruit with cucumbers, similar in size to gherkins, that is, up to 8 cm long.
The fruits at the genetic level are devoid of even a hint of bitterness and have excellent taste properties, which are manifested both fresh and when canned.
Conclusion
A large number of self-pollinating hybrids and varieties of cucumbers for growing in open ground makes gardening even more fun, interesting and, importantly, useful. It is the competent use of the properties and qualities of existing plant varieties, when the best seeds of the most suitable varieties are taken, that allows us to achieve the best yields and excellent taste of the fruit.
