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We cannot imagine our summer diet without cucumbers, and those who have at least a small piece of garden necessarily plant several bushes. In large gardens, entire plantations are occupied by cucumbers. Today we are offered hundreds of varieties; it is difficult to understand their diversity without outside help. We suggest that you definitely plant a Libelle cucumber.
Libelle is a time-tested hybrid of German selection. And although it was included in the state register back in 1976, the variety still enjoys well-deserved popularity and bears fruit well in the North-Western and Central regions.
Description of the variety
In order to understand the advantages of Libelle cucumbers, we will give a description of the variety. This is a mid-season variety, from the appearance of the first shoots to the harvesting of fruits it usually takes about 50 days. The Libelle hybrid is suitable for growing in open ground, under removable film covers and for greenhouses. If you have a small closed greenhouse, it is better not to plant these cucumbers - they are pollinated by bees and the conditions of the closed ground usually do not allow amateur gardeners to get a good harvest. Of course, if you have bees, or there is an apiary nearby, feel free to plant the Libelle variety and simply ventilate the greenhouse more often in sunny weather.
The shoots of Libelle cucumbers are long and can be used for support.The cucumber itself in its commercial form reaches a size of 12-14 cm, weighs 100-150 g, and the yield ranges from 5 to 10 kg per square. Zelentsy are strewn with small tubercles with whitish spines. The Libelle variety reaches its highest yield by the end of summer, which is very convenient - the massive ripening of the fruits allows them to be quickly processed.
The undoubted advantages of Libelle f1 cucumbers are their versatility, they:
- Suitable for fresh consumption;
- Suitable for winter preparations;
- They can be collected both in the gherkin phase and as green leaves.
The disadvantages of the Libelle variety include:
- Rapid outgrowth;
- White spots that spoil the appearance;
- Presence of bitterness.
So bitterness is rather a positive characteristic. A slight bitterness adds a piquancy to the taste of cucumbers, and the benefits of consuming them are undeniable.
Libelle cucumbers are resistant to spotting and downy mildew, have excellent commercial quality and are tasty.
Cucumber care
Caring for the Libelle hybrid is not much different from caring for other varieties of cucumbers. They all love:
- Well-lit landing site;
- Fertile soil with a neutral reaction;
- Fertilizers with fresh manure;
- Abundant watering;
- Warm humid air.
They don't like any cucumbers:
- Transfers;
- Acidic soils;
- Dense soils;
- Watering with cold water;
- Sudden change in temperature;
- Drafts;
- Cold night temperature.
Seed preparation
Libelle cucumber hybrids have a predominantly female type of flower and do not require pre-heating of the seeds. If they are covered with a colored shell, they are planted in the ground without any additional procedures.If the shell is missing, immediately before sowing, soak the seeds in hot water at a temperature of 53 degrees for 15-20 minutes. This will kill the pathogens of anthracnose and bacteriosis.
Before planting, it is good to germinate the seeds of the Libelle hybrid by soaking them for several days in Epin solution (it increases germination and increases the resistance of cucumbers to diseases). Seeds covered with a shell do not germinate.
Landing rules
In colder climates, they are best grown horizontally in small greenhouses that can trap warm air at night. During the day they are opened, allowing access to the sun, fresh air and bees.
For Libelle cucumbers, choose a sunny place protected from the winds. If you have acidic soil, before planting add lime or dolmite flour at the rate of 1 liter jar per 1 square meter. m. In any case, add a few handfuls of well-rotted compost to each hole.
For insurance, three Libelle cucumber seeds are planted in each hole, placing them in the center of the hole, at a distance of several centimeters from each other. Planting depth is about 1.5-2 cm. There should be 3-4 plants per square meter.
We water the planting well with warm water and cover it with film or lutrastil. We remove the cover only for watering and ventilation. When the night temperature is consistently above 12 degrees, the shelter can be removed completely.
Watering and fertilizing
Libelle cucumbers love moisture, but this does not mean that the soil should be turned into a swamp.
Water only with warm water and under the root. In cool weather, watering should be reduced - this will protect the plantings from downy mildew and rot.
Libelle cucumbers are potassium lovers, but they remove few useful substances from the soil. If, when planting seeds, you added humus or other fertilizer for digging, feed the first time no earlier than two weeks after germination.
Mineral fertilizers are alternated with organic ones, feeding Libelle cucumbers once a week after watering. Instead of mineral fertilizer, you can take ash, which is scattered on damp soil at the rate of 2 tablespoons per bush, or special fertilizers for pumpkin plants - they are sold in specialized stores. Fresh cow manure is infused for 2 weeks, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.
Residents of regions with warm climates will find it convenient to grow the Libelle variety on a trellis, tying them up as shown in the video.
Consumers give good reviews about the appearance and taste of Libelle cucumbers. Look at the photo:
