2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Unfortunately, not all cucumber varieties are suitable for growing in difficult climatic conditions, especially in our latitudes. But this does not mean at all that it will not be possible at all to grow excellent cucumbers in the open field - there are special cold-resistant varieties that can give excellent yields even in very harsh conditions! What are these varieties, and why are they so good?
Benefits of cold-resistant varieties
Such varieties of cucumbers can boast not only of their unpretentiousness and ability to grow even at not too high temperatures, but also impressive resistance to a wide variety of diseases. It is also important to understand that the cold resistance of cucumbers does not imply their cultivation at low temperatures - cold resistance means the ability of a given culture to tolerate moderate cold snaps, only up to plus two or three degrees. Lower temperature readings will inevitably lead to the death of cucumbers. If we are talking about the ability to endure negative temperatures, then this is no longer cold resistance, but frost resistance, and it is in no way typical for cucumbers. Accordingly, if the word "frost resistance" flaunts on a bag of seeds, then this is nothing more than an unsuccessful advertising move!
It is noteworthy that most often the first generation hybrids are cold-resistant, that is, the ones that come with the F1 marking. In care, such cucumbers are quite unpretentious, however, subject to proper agricultural technology and systematic application of top dressing, the yield can be much higher!
Cold-resistant varieties of cucumbers are grown mainly in areas with cool and very short summers and frequent rains, but this does not mean that they should not be grown in other regions - they can and even should! So which varieties are really worth paying attention to?
Zhivchik F1
This variety is ideal for lovers of early cucumbers - the ripening of zelents begins already on the thirty-eighth day after the first shoots appear! This variety is characterized by resistance to temperature extremes, and it gives excellent yields in almost any conditions. The tall bushes of such cucumbers are quite powerful, and all of them are equipped with bundle-type ovaries (as a rule, each node contains five to six cucumbers). And the length of cucumbers usually does not exceed five to six centimeters, which makes them perfect for any preservation.
General's F1
And this hybrid allows you to collect up to three hundred to four hundred cucumbers from one bush! The Generalskiy F1 variety is not only cold-resistant, but also very shade-tolerant, so it will not be difficult to grow it even under cover in the beds. The bushes of such cucumbers are quite powerful and tall, with self-regulating branching, in addition, they are usually referred to as superbeam varieties, since ten to twelve cucumbers are often formed in their sinuses at once. And the General's F1 does not need insect pollination and is characterized by a fairly high resistance to diseases affecting cucumbers closer to the end of summer! The length of the fruit usually does not exceed eleven centimeters, and the dense flesh of these cucumbers boasts an amazing taste. And from one square meter of area you can collect up to forty or even forty-two kilograms of fruit!
Balalaika F1
This variety also does not require insect pollination, but its most important characteristic is that it practically does not form male ovaries at low temperatures. Balalaika F1 will perfectly bear fruit even in very difficult temperature conditions, and at the same time its yield will be invariably high, and its resistance to all ailments is simply amazing! The sizes of ripe cucumbers rarely exceed nine centimeters, and all these cucumbers have crispy and rather dense flesh, are very tasty and are actively used for preservation.
Lapland F1
This name hides mid-season cucumbers, which are characterized by very intensive growth. And cucumbers up to nine centimeters long are suitable for absolutely any workpiece! This hybrid is highly valued not only for its resistance to temperature extremes and high yield, but also for the fact that in the event of a cold snap it does not inhibit growth and retains a consistently high set. That is why this variety is ideal for growing in the North-West of Russia, as well as in the Urals and Siberia.
Petersburg Express F1
A wonderful early ripening variety - the first fruits can be harvested in thirty-eight days from the moment of germination! Summer residents cannot but rejoice at the high resistance of such cucumbers to various diseases, as well as a very long period of fruit formation (if weather conditions are favorable, it will be possible to pick cucumbers until mid-autumn!) And their excellent taste. And the length of the fruit covered with green skin with whitish stripes can reach twelve centimeters. And this is ideal for salting, including for cask!
What cold-resistant varieties of cucumbers do you know and grow?
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