Content
Among the many cucumber hybrids, the most popular are those that are characterized by a genetic lack of bitterness. A description of one of these varieties is below.
Description
The cucumber variety was developed in Holland by Monsanto, and Seminis produces the seeds. In 2007 it was included in the state register of Russia. Over the past decade it has shown excellent results in the Russian climate.
A number of advantages of this variety can be noted:
- High early maturity;
- Good yield;
- Does not require pollination by insects;
- Universal to use;
- Has fruits of high commercial quality;
- Resistant to many cucumber diseases;
- Tolerates adverse weather conditions well;
- Has excellent taste.
It is not without reason that the manufacturer compared cucumbers of this variety to a meringue dessert - they are very sweet, with a characteristic aroma of cucumbers. Great for salads. Both greens and gherkins are used for preservation.
Characteristics of the Meringue variety
Cucumber "Merengue F1" is parthenocapic and does not require pollination. Plants are tall, female type of flowering. The bushes are open, the leaves are small, the pubescence is medium. Up to 3 ovaries are formed in one node. The cucumber is early ripening, no more than 40 days pass from germination to the first harvest.Bears fruit throughout the growing season. Hybrid, seeds of the second and subsequent generations do not repeat the varietal characteristics.
The fruits are cylindrical, with large tubercles, of excellent presentation. The fruit size is small, up to 12 cm, the thorns are white. Resistant to overgrowth, deformation and yellowing.
It is characterized by the friendly ripening of the first wave of the harvest. It is resistant to many fungal, viral and bacterial infections, such as powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus.
Designed for cultivation in open ground and greenhouses. In open ground, the yield of cucumbers is up to 12 kg, in closed ground – up to 15 kg.
Recommendations for growing outdoors
Meringue cucumbers are most often grown through seedlings.
To preserve fragile roots, it is recommended to grow cucumbers in coconut tablets or briquettes. Growers in reviews do not recommend using peat pots or tablets for growing cucumbers, as they easily lose their shape.
In order to get healthy, strong seedlings, you must follow the following rules:
- The soil for growing should be light, free from weed seeds;
- Each plant must be provided with a separate container;
- It is better to plant seedlings later than to plant overgrown plants;
- It is necessary to provide the seedlings with a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation, and, if necessary, provide additional illumination;
- Water carefully - excess moisture can destroy the roots of cucumbers;
- Before planting in a permanent place, it is necessary to harden off the seedlings.
Soil characteristics are of great importance. If acidity is high, it is necessary to add lime or dolomite flour. It is not advisable to water the cucumbers abundantly before planting; a wet earthen lump may lose its shape, which will make it difficult to replant the cucumbers.
It is most convenient to use a coarse mesh stretched over trellises. The leaves of the Meringue variety are sparsely spaced, the fruits are clearly visible, so harvesting cucumbers is not difficult.
Cucumbers respond well to the application of complex fertilizers; it is advisable to use nutrients in chelated form. Chelated fertilizers are more easily absorbed by the root system of cucumbers and can be effectively used for foliar feeding.
Cucumber fruits overfed with nitrogen are poorly stored and become unsuitable for canning.
It is necessary to harvest cucumbers at least once every 4 to 5 days. If you leave the greens on the bush longer, the bush will waste nutrients in vain, in addition, the formation of new fruits will stop.
The cucumber continues to bear fruit until frost. If you provide the cucumber with shelter in the fall, you can significantly prolong fruiting.
Features of growing in a greenhouse
The Meringue cucumber variety is successfully used for growing in greenhouses, however, it should be taken into account that in winter the cucumber requires additional lighting. Without it, the plant will be elongated, weak, and with low productivity.
The description of the variety guarantees resistance to the most common diseases of cucumbers, but any errors in care weaken the plant. Nutrient deficiency, low temperature, insufficient or excessive watering, and lack of ultraviolet radiation can trigger an outbreak of infectious diseases in cucumbers. To prevent this, it is necessary to carefully care for the plants, carefully monitoring changes that may indicate a possible disease.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the cucumber hybrid was bred in Holland, it is perfectly suited for growing in the Russian climate, which is characterized by unstable rainfall and other unfavorable weather factors.
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