Popular varieties of self-pollinated open field cucumbers
Cucumbers are one of the most popular vegetable crops in our country. Today, in the gardening economy, there are many of their varieties, including those bred for specific purposes and localities. Increasingly, among other species, varieties of self-pollinated cucumbers for open ground can be found on farms. What is their feature and which ones are recommended by experienced farmers for planting?
Popular varieties of self-pollinated cucumbers
Characteristics of cucumbers
There is a special variety of these vegetables, representatives of which have a specific structure: they have both a pistil and a stamen. Due to the presence of a male and female reproductive component, such a vegetable can independently, without outside interference, produce fruits with seeds. They are the most productive type, bypassing options such as bee-pollinated and parthenocapric cucumbers.
This is not the only advantage of self-pollinated ones: they are quite unpretentious, for good growth, cucumbers only need a little sunlight (the fruits for the most part are rather shade-tolerant and drought-resistant), a humid climate and fertile soil.
They are resistant to fungal infections, and are simply not attractive to insects. Therefore, an increasing number of farmers are choosing a similar species for growing on their plots. The species can be grown both in closed areas such as greenhouses, hotbeds, balconies, and right on the street: the location depends on the subspecies of the fruit.
Varieties
Self-pollinated varieties of cucumbers for open ground (they all belong to the category of hybrids) differ from each other. Some are grown specifically for consumption in their original form, others for further processing, and still others are considered universal.
The early variety, for example, has a softer flesh than the later one, which is dry and tough. Mid-season ones harmoniously combine firmness and softness. Cucumbers with white thorns are usually used for salads and slicing, with black ones as raw materials for pickling.
Purpose and distribution
Originally, plants with the ability to self-pollinate were intended exclusively for greenhouses. Since the harvest ceased to depend on bees and the weather, it became possible to move the scene to the vastness of nature.
The variety is suitable for the climate of almost any corner of Russia, even the conditions of Siberia: it is especially good for the Moscow region. It is also widespread in central Ukraine.
Which variety to choose
Open field cucumbers should be chosen from among the types that are resistant to environmental conditions. Vegetables will have to withstand temperature extremes, high humidity, sharp gusts of wind. With proper care, almost all self-pollinating plants form ovaries, and you will receive a large harvest in the future. High-yielding varieties of cucumbers for open ground, self-pollinated - which one to choose?
Alliance F1
Most often, gardeners prefer the Alliance hybrid. What characteristics does it have:
- maximum length - 15 cm, weight - 130 g;
- 6 fruits in the ovary;
- yield - 18 kg per 1 sq. m;
- usually begins to bear fruit 7 weeks after planting in the soil: if not, use organic fertilizers.
Alliance seeds are germinated before planting. Having an exquisite taste and crunchy structure, the cucumber retains its qualities after processing. Ideal as raw material for salting.
Spring
The fruits of this variety are very tasty.
The fruiting period of this variety is in the summer. The cucumbers are small, but very tasty, sweetish. High-yielding.
If you nourish the soil a little, Spring will yield a harvest of 15 kg.
Orpheus F1
It is notable for its early ripening period: the first fruits can be harvested after 6-7 weeks after planting. In a good season from 1 sq.m. You can get up to 7 kg of pimply cucumbers 13 cm long and weighing 90-110 g. 6-8 specimens are formed in the ovary.
F1 ardor
The variety is specially designed for growing in open soil. It matures already at 6 weeks. From 1 sq. m. up to 5 kg of cucumbers are harvested, the ovary usually forms 6 ten-centimeter cucumbers.
Outwardly, Zador resembles a cylinder-shaped gherkin with prominent tubercles. Has a stable immunity to fungal and viral diseases and weather changes. The firm and compact fruit is suitable for preservation.
Gerda
Cute and tasty medium-ripening gherkins bring a rich harvest. They have strong immunity against various fungal diseases.
Being a versatile variety, they are suitable for fresh and canned consumption.
Friendly family
Farmers appreciate this mid-early variety for its unpretentiousness and friendly return of the harvest. Elastic fruits with a pleasant taste reach 12-13 cm in length.
A friendly family is rarely sick. Good products for preservation and pickling. Of the shortcomings, they are rather late.
Hermann
The Dutch hybrid is considered one of the best of its kind. Medium-sized fruits mature in about 6-7 weeks. Lumpy cucumbers can be harvested with gherkins or large specimens. Herman is renowned for its resistance to fruit diseases and to attacks of insect pests. To speed up maturation, you can spray the soil with a harmless solution.
Other options
Among other things, there is a versatile cucumber variety that can be planted in both open and closed soil. These are Black Ant, Claudia F1, Prince of the Urals, Zyatek and others.
Planting and growing
Not too demanding self-pollinated varieties still need to follow a number of rules in the process of planting and further care for the seedlings. When planting seeds in open ground from which the crop has already been harvested, dig up the ground. It is recommended to loosen it and saturate it with fertilizers such as humus, manure, cowshed. Level the surface layer on the strip with a rake.
Select seeds carefully. Weed out low-quality ones. Immediately before planting self-pollinated seeds in open ground, soak them in mineral fertilizer and dry them.
It is advisable to plant seedlings in the soil in pots with peat filler, covered with a film for 4-5 days. When caring for self-pollinating cucumbers, do not forget about watering, feeding, and weeding.
Conclusion
By choosing the path of growing this type of cucumber in open soil, you are making a smart decision. Sowing such fruits with relatively little effort gives good results in the form of a fertile, early harvest.
Which of the proposed options to choose is a personal matter for each breeder. Give preference to those plants that will be beneficial specifically for your climatic conditions.