Content
In recent years, the trend in the cucumber seed market is developing in such a way that the varieties familiar to everyone cucumbers are being replaced by hybrids and self-pollinating plants, but the crown of the breeders’ work has appeared - this parthenocarpic cucumbers. Their seeds have firmly occupied their niche and continue to expand it. Not all summer residents and gardeners are still familiar with the results of planting seeds of this variety, and many do not see much of a difference between a regular and parthenocarpic hybrid. And this difference is fundamental; parthenocarpic cucumbers are the best hybrids today; unlike ordinary ones, they do not need pollination; fruits are formed without it. Whereas during the growth of self-pollinating varieties, pollination takes place. The purpose of breeding these hybrids is considered to be for cultivation in greenhouse conditions, where insects have no access.
In the cross-section of any parthenocarpic cucumber, you can see the absence of seeds, although there are varieties in which the fruits have thickenings in places where they are usually concentrated.
Properties of parthenocarpic varieties
The advantages that parthenocarpic cucumbers have consist not only in the absence of the pollination process, in addition to this, they also have other better properties:
- High fruiting, combined with powerful growth;
- Bitterness has been artificially removed from fruits at the genetic level;
- Long and continuous fruiting period;
- High resistance to temperature changes and other adverse weather conditions;
- Resistance to most common cucumber diseases.
Unfortunately, the need for the best parthenocarpic cucumbers is also growing due to a decrease in the population of bees and bumblebees.
Common methods of planting seeds of parthenocarpic varieties
It is possible that many will consider the peculiarity of growing parthenocarpic cucumbers exclusively in rooms isolated from pollinators (greenhouses, hotbeds or apartments) as a disadvantage, spoiling their harvest by planting seeds in open ground. And they will be partly right, because in this case, parthenocarpic cucumbers spoil and grow crooked. Given this feature, seeds should be planted indoors at a time suitable for a particular variety. There are varieties divided by planting periods:
- Winter-spring;
- Spring-summer;
- Summer-autumn.
Accordingly, having planted the seeds in the spring, the harvest can be harvested in the summer, and so on.
Most parthenocarpic cucumbers are not suitable for pickling, but if you carefully look for the necessary seeds, you can select suitable varieties for preservation, many of which will be given below.
Types of common and rare varieties of parthenocarpic cucumbers
Chinese miracle
The seeds of this plant relatively recently appeared on domestic markets. The name hints at the length of the vegetable.It sometimes reaches 45 cm; these parthenocarpic cucumbers are suitable for preservation if you find a container suitable for them. Another positive feature is the long shelf life, even after cutting them into pieces. Like all varieties of this family, the Chinese Miracle has no bitterness, and they tolerate long-term transportation well. No weakness was observed for common diseases.
Cheerful company F1
Parthenocarpic hybrid, its greens have a round shape and reach a length of 8-13 cm. High taste characteristics allow it to be consumed raw, there is no bitterness. The vegetable retains its color for a long time without yellowing. It has bred resistance to various types of common diseases. After the seeds are planted, the harvest can be expected in 43-48 days.
Baby – Sturdy F1
The seeds of this plant can be planted several weeks earlier than others. These parthenocarpic cucumbers were specially bred to neutralize the negative effect of temperature changes, but it is unlikely to gain time for an early harvest; the ripening period for greens after sowing seeds is 54-60 days. The fruits themselves grow very small; these are gherkins no more than 8 cm long. Like all parthenocarpic varieties, they are devoid of bitterness. The internal space is all filled with pulp, there are no seeds or voids. The best gherkins from their family for canning.
White Angel F1
One of the most recognizable varieties of parthenocarpic varieties. The characteristic white color of the peel will change over time to light green - the color of a ripe vegetable. But even in this case it will differ significantly from other varieties.It is possible to plant seeds in open ground, provided that the planting period is late. But the best growth rates occur indoors. White angel reveals its best taste when consumed fresh.
Makar F1
Seeds planted in open ground begin to bear the first ovaries at 48-54 days. A ripe vegetable reaches average parameters of 14-19 cm and 90 g. weight. The surface is slightly covered with small tubercles and has no thorns, the flesh is quite dense and crispy, you can get up to 5 kg from one bush. The variety has better resistance to olive blight and BOM-1 (cucumber mosaic virus), and is also relatively protected from root rot.
Geisha
This is an exclusively salad hybrid, it has fruits 10-14 cm long, their weight is about 110 g, this variety is classified as late-ripening. Having planted its seeds, the first greens will appear on the 64-70th day, its yield is not very high, this is due to the weak growth of the bush in width, but this factor can be taken into account for planting on a windowsill, with its small area. The variety showed the best performance only in resistance to the disease - powdery mildew; you will have to fight the rest, providing the bush with good conditions.
Heroic strength
An early ripening hybrid, it produces the first ovaries 46-50 days after you plant the seeds. An adult green plant has a cylindrical shape, up to 13 cm in length, and the weight of such fruits reaches 125 grams. due to the dense pulp. The name implies high resistance to a number of common diseases - VOM-1, olive spot, and also tolerates downy and common powdery mildew. From one square meter the variety produces up to 12 kg of salad fruits.
Agnes F1
The fruits obtained from planting the seeds of this variety are longitudinal and thin, with a total weight of up to 90 grams, and a length of about 12-17 cm. This hybrid belongs to the mid-season varieties, its best properties are characterized by high resistance to all types of powdery mildew. From one square meter you can collect up to 9 kg per season. There is no bitterness in the salad variety.
Conclusion
If among the listed varieties you have not found a plant that will meet your requirements, then do not be too upset, because you can always find a good analogue, with other clearly highlighted positive qualities. Especially if we take into account the fact that breeders are developing new varieties. In any case, these varieties of parthenocarpic cucumbers show all the diversity of growing conditions and food use, many of them can even take root on your balcony or windowsill.
