Content
Cucumbers are a popular crop in the garden plots of Russians. Along with domestic varieties, those of foreign origin, primarily Dutch, are planted. They are valued mainly for their high yield, genetically built immunity to diseases dangerous for the culture, and relative unpretentiousness. Even a novice gardener can cope with the cultivation of Dutch cucumbers, but obtaining a bountiful harvest is impossible without competently carried out agrotechnical measures.
What is the reason for the popularity of Dutch cucumbers
Dutch cucumbers (varieties and hybrids) are widely represented on the Russian market. They have a lot of undoubted advantages. The only thing that can keep a gardener from buying is a rather high price, but this is fully repaid in yield. A few seeds (usually 5–10 per bag) can provide an abundance of fresh fruits and homemade supplies for even a very large family. As a rule, such cucumbers grow in “bouquets”, 3-10 pieces per ovary. Statistics show that with proper care, about a ton of fruit can be removed from 100 m².
"Bouquet" type of fruiting allows you to get a larger yield from fewer Dutch cucumber bushes
When choosing a specific variety, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the growing region. The Russian climate (especially in the north) is very different from the Dutch one. Therefore, for areas located in the "zone of risky farming", it is better to choose seeds that are adapted to local conditions.
The main advantages of Dutch cucumbers are:
- guaranteed large yield with proper agricultural technology from a smaller number of bushes due to the "bouquet" type of ovary;
- "Innate" immunity to common fungi, viruses, bacteria;
- lack of bitter taste in the pulp, even with a lack of moisture;
- presentability of the species (uniformity and external attractiveness of the fruits);
- the ability to tolerate transportation well over long distances;
- versatility of purpose (suitability for eating immediately or in the form of homemade preparations).
Dutch varieties and hybrids are suitable both for fresh consumption and for pickling, pickling
The best varieties of cucumbers for open ground
Most often, the following Dutch varieties and hybrids can be found on the sites of Russian gardeners.
Angelina F1
An early ripe parthenocarpic hybrid included in the Russian State Register. It is suitable for cultivation in the North Caucasus, since it produces a good harvest only if the bushes are provided with sufficient fertile soil and warmth in abundance. But the variety is quite tolerant of a lack of lighting. The bushes grow up to a meter in height, the leaves are small, the flowers are exclusively female.
Angelina F1 cucumber hybrid needs fertile soil, sunshine and warmth to bring a bountiful harvest
Three cucumbers are tied in each leaf sinus. The first crop is harvested 41–46 days after the seeds germinate. The zelents themselves are cylindrical, 9–13 cm long and weighing 65–95 g.A few large tubercles are clearly visible on the skin, the "edge" is practically absent. If it is, it is a rare white "villi".
Deformed cucumbers are rare. 80–95% of fruits have a presentable appearance. The hybrid is immune to cladosporium, peronosporosis and the most dangerous virus for culture - cucumber mosaic.
Ajax F1
A hybrid pollinated by bees, other insects, or by hand. The growing season is 43–49 days. Included in the Russian State Register without restrictions regarding the region of cultivation. Powerful climbing bushes require trellis or other support nearby. A distinctive feature - large leaves of deep green color with a "wrinkled" surface. Very few "stepsons" are formed. Most of the flowers are female. One leaf axil contains 1-3 ovaries.
Cucumbers Ajax F1 have few "stepchildren"
The length of a mature green plant is 10–12 cm, weight is 85–105 g. The dark green rough skin is streaked with short salad-colored stripes, covered with large tubercles. The "edge" is dense, white. Productivity - 4-6 kg / m². The taste of fresh fruits is rather mediocre; it improves markedly when preserved.
It is recommended to harvest the crop daily, this stimulates the development of new ovaries. Fruiting can continue until mid-autumn. Cucumbers do not turn yellow and do not lose their elasticity during long-term storage, they tolerate transportation well. Plants do not suffer from the vagaries of the weather, even in hot dry summers you can get a bountiful harvest, although cucumbers are usually very sensitive to moisture deficiency. They are immune to peronosporosis, cucumber mosaic virus, and brown spot.
Hector F1
One of the most popular Dutch self-pollinated hybrids, especially appreciated by gardeners living in central Russia. The state register of the territory on which it can be grown does not define. The bushes are compact, low (0.65–0.8 m), and do not differ in growth intensity. This saves space in the garden. The first fruits ripen within a month after the seeds germinate. Hector brings the harvest until the end of the summer. Plants tolerate short-term cold well, do not need special formation.
The compactness of the bushes of the Hector F1 cucumber hybrid allows you to save space on the garden plot - this question is always relevant for the owners of the notorious "6 acres"
Zelentsy 10–12 cm long and weighing 90–105 g. The skin is covered with numerous large tubercles, the thorns are white, sometimes covered with a gray waxy coating. The pulp, which is extremely important for Russians, crunches excellently. 3.5–5 kg of zelents are removed from 1 m². The hybrid is immune to cladosporium, peronospora, cucumber mosaic virus, and relatively rarely suffers from downy mildew.
Satin F1
An early ripe self-pollinated hybrid, recommended by the State Register for cultivation in the Volga region. It is grown by both amateur gardeners and professional farmers. The latter appreciate it for its presentable appearance, which is 96–97% of the fruits. The growing season is 38–46 days. The hybrid is not affected by olive spot, peronosporosis, cucumber mosaic.
No voids form in the flesh of Satina F1 cucumbers, even if the fruits are overripe
The bushes are of medium height (about 1 m), few lashes are formed, the leaves are large. Ripe fruits 12–16 cm long and weighing 90–110 g. The skin is thin, vague lettuce spots on the general rich green background are within the norm. The "edge" is of medium density, the thorns are white, the tubercles are large. The pulp is fragrant, without voids.
Video: cucumbers Satina F1
Pioneer F1
A hybrid of an average ripening period, not self-pollinating, the State Register of the Russian Federation does not give special instructions regarding the growing area. The plant is tall (2 m or more), there are few lashes, almost all flowers are female. The ripening period of the crop is 47–54 days.
Cucumbers are medium in size, 8.5-12 cm long and weighing 55-85 g.The skin is bright green, with small longitudinal salad streaks at the base. The tubercles are large, the spines are black. 5.5–6 kg of zelents are removed from 1 m².
Cucumbers Pioneer F1 are great for pickling, as well as for preparing other homemade preparations
The pioneer does not suffer from olive spot, downy mildew, downy mildew. Great for homemade preparations, especially the taste of salted and pickled greens.
Marinda F1
One of the very first self-pollinated Dutch hybrids that became widespread in Russia. Included in the State Register in 1994. It is recommended for them for cultivation in the Central region and in the Black Sea region, but it is successfully cultivated not only in these regions, but also in most of the territory of Russia.
The Marinda F1 hybrid was the first of the Dutch breeding varieties to become widespread in Russia.
The growing season is 40–55 days. It is quite stretched, it has to do with how lucky with the weather. Each "node" has 5-7 fruits. The plant is about 1.5 m high, not spreading.
Marinda cucumbers belong to the category of gherkins. Fruit size - 7-9 cm, weight - 60-75 g. The seeds are very small, practically not felt in the pulp. The yield is simply amazing - 28-30 kg / m².
The hybrid adapts well to not always favorable weather conditions, has a genetically built-in immunity to all diseases most dangerous for the culture, with the exception of anthracnose.
Athena F1
An early ripe self-pollinated hybrid, recommended by the State Register for cultivation in the North Caucasus region. It is also grown on an industrial scale. More than 80% of zelents have a presentable appearance. The bushes do not differ in their growth rate, there are few lashes, the flowers are exclusively female. The growing season is 47–55 days.
Cucumbers Athena F1 are of interest not only for amateur gardeners, but also for professional farmers.
Zelentsy is one-dimensional, in the form of a regular cylinder. A ripe fruit reaches a length of 10–12 cm and weighs 65–90 g. Its lower half is lined with clear pale salad stripes against a common emerald background. The tubercles are not numerous, large; the spines are white.
The hybrid is protected by the creators from cladosporiosis, peronospora, cucumber mosaic virus, but often becomes infected with downy mildew. The taste of fresh fruits is especially noted, but they are also very good in blanks.
Herman F1
In Russia it has been known since the beginning of the XXI century, very quickly managed to become the most widespread Dutch hybrid. The state register German is recommended for cultivation throughout Russia.... Belongs to the category of self-pollinated and early maturing, the ripening time of zelents is 38–44 days. Bouquet fruiting - 6–7 ovaries in the leaf axil.
Cucumber German F1, thanks to its undoubted advantages, quickly gained popularity not only among Russian gardeners, but throughout the world.
Fruits are one-dimensional, regular in shape, ribs are well felt. Average length - 9–11 cm, weight - 75–95 g. The rich green skin is covered with vague spots, slightly different in color from the rest of the background, and at the base - with short white stripes. Light wax deposits are normalized. The "edge" is dense, the thorns are white. The pulp is not particularly dense, but juicy and aromatic.
8-10 kg of zelents are removed from 1 m². 95% or more have a presentable look. Even the untimely plucked fruits do not grow more than 15 cm, their taste does not deteriorate. The hybrid is protected by breeders from peronospora, fusarium, cladosporium, cucumber mosaic virus. It tolerates short-term cold snaps well, but reacts extremely negatively to prolonged heat and drought.
Santana F1
A mid-early ripening hybrid that needs insect "help" to set fruit. The growing season is 45–52 days. It successfully adapts to not always favorable weather conditions. When the summer is cool, this has little effect on productivity. The bush is characterized by a high growth rate, dense foliage.
Cucumber hybrid Santana F1 shows a certain "plasticity", successfully adapting to not always ideal weather conditions and climate
Fruits are medium-sized, 7–9 cm long and weighing 65–85 g. The skin is smooth, without tubercles. The hybrid is not affected by peronosporosis, the cucumber mosaic virus. The yield is high - 18–20 kg / m².
Dolomite F1
An early maturing self-pollinated hybrid, recommended by the State Register for cultivation throughout Russia, where gardening is generally possible. The growing season is 36–41 days. The bushes are medium-sized (about 1 m high), not thickened.
Dolomite F1 hybrid is suitable for growing pickles and gherkins
Ripe cucumbers grow up to 9-14 cm, weigh 95-100 g. You can also pick pickles and gherkins - fruits 3–5 cm and 5–8 cm long, respectively. The skin is thin, with almost imperceptible spots slightly lighter than it, and short whitish stripes at the base. The pulp is sweetish and crispy. The “edge” is dense, the thorns are white, the tubercles are small. The number of ovaries in the "bouquet" is 6–8. Productivity within 5.5–7 kg / m². Dolomite pickled cucumbers are especially good.
The hybrid is not affected by the cucumber mosaic virus, cladosporiosis, and quite rarely - by downy mildew. Can "forgive" the gardener for individual care errors. The plant recovers well after drought, heat, cold weather.
To grow a good harvest outdoors without excessive effort and time, when choosing a variety, give preference to early, very early and early ripening cucumbers.
For greenhouses and greenhouses
Greenhouses and greenhouses allow you to harvest earlier than in the open field. Mostly self-pollinated hybrids are planted there, since it is not always possible to attract bees and other insects.
Productivity and ripening period are the main parameters for choosing a variety when growing cucumbers in a greenhouse.
Gunnar F1
One of the latest achievements of Dutch breeders, included in the State Register in 2014. Recommended for cultivation in the Central region and the Black Sea region. The ripening time for zelents is 40–47 days. It is self-pollinated.
The bushes are powerful, the leaves are large, all the flowers are female. The side lashes are not long. In the leaf axil, 2–4 fruit ovaries are formed. The average yield is in the range of 20-22 kg / m². 98% of Zelentsy are presentable. Taste by professional tasters is rated at 4.9 points out of 5.
Gunnar F1 cucumbers are one of the latest achievements of Dutch breeders; their appearance and taste are highly appreciated by professionals.
Cucumbers are of regular cylindrical shape, weighing 85–120 g and 11–15 cm long. The tubercles are rather small, the thorns are white. The pulp is juicy, sweetish. Taste does not deteriorate when overgrown.
Due to the abundance of the crop, the hybrid requires enhanced feeding, fruiting continues until autumn. Protected at the genetic level from cladosporiosis, rarely suffers from cucumber mosaic, peronosporosis, but often from downy mildew. Unlike most varieties, it can also be grown on saline soils - this has little effect on taste and yield.
Video: cucumbers of the Gunnar F1 variety
Pasadena F1
Self-pollinated hybrid, belongs to the category of medium early. The ripening time of the first zelents is 47–53 days. Long-term fruiting, lasts until mid-autumn. The state register considers it the most suitable for cultivation in the Central region and in the Volga region.
A significant drawback of Pasadena F1 cucumbers is powerful, fast-growing bushes, greenery closes into a solid green carpet
Protected by the creators from brown spot, rarely affected by peronosporosis and cucumber mosaic virus. The bushes differ in their growth rate, reaching 1.5–2.3 m in height, and in thickening, all flowers are female.
Fruits 6–9 cm long and weighing 65–90 g. The tubercles are small, numerous. There are no voids in the pulp. Average yield - 12-15 kg / m².
Bettina F1
An early ripe self-pollinated hybrid, the fruits belong to the category of gherkins. It is cultivated not only in greenhouses, but also on balconies and loggias. Included in the State Register of the Russian Federation with the mark “recommended for cultivation in all regions”. The growing season is about 40 days. Few branches are formed, most of the fruit ovaries are formed on the central shoot. The average plant height is about 1.5 m.
Cucumbers Bettina F1, even against the background of "relatives", stand out for their hygrophilia
The hybrid requires very abundant watering, potash fertilization is mandatory during the season. Protected from powdery mildew, rarely affected by brown spot, cucumber mosaic, downy mildew. The bulk of zelents ripens during the first month of fruiting. You can count on about 5-6 kg / m².
Ripe cucumbers grow up to 8 cm in length and weigh 60–75 g. Longitudinal white stripes appear on the bright green skin closer to the base. The "edge" is not too thick, the flesh is without voids.
Video: cucumbers Bettina F1
Ceres F1
Recommended for cultivation in greenhouses by the State Register of the Russian Federation. A hybrid of the early maturing category, the first crop is harvested 37–42 days after the seeds sprout. A distinctive feature is slightly wrinkled leaves, corrugated along the edges.
Ceres F1 - rather large cucumbers, but this does not affect the taste of Zelentsy in any way
Fruits are elongated (32–34 cm), weighing about 280–300 g. The skin is without tubercles, with weak ribs. Up to 25 kg of zelents are removed from 1 m². Bouquet fruiting - 1–3 ovaries in a "knot". Ceres is protected by breeders from real and downy mildew, the cucumber mosaic virus.
Ecole F1
Self-pollinating hybrid, medium-early maturing (43–47 days). In the Russian Federation, the State Register of Ekol is considered suitable for cultivation in the North Caucasus. The bushes are tall (2.5–3 m), there are few lashes, the leaves are small. Each "node" has 4–5 fruit ovaries.
Ekol F1 cucumbers are mainly used for home canning
Fruits are small, 5–7 cm long and weighing 65–75 g. The “edge” is dense and dense. The greens are prickly to the touch. The dark green skin is covered with blurry whitish strokes and almost imperceptible spots. The fruits are mainly intended for salting, pickling, and other preparations, but the fresh taste is not even bad.
The hybrid is immune to downy mildew, brown spot, cucumber mosaic virus. It is often affected by downy mildew. Fruits not collected on time outgrow, thicken, resembling barrels in shape.
Video: cucumbers Ekol F1
Growing tips
It is not enough to choose a cucumber variety that is suitable in all respects. Getting a bountiful harvest is possible only if the recommendations for growing are followed. Since fruits are almost 90% water, the main thing they need is frequent and abundant watering.
Garden bed preparation
Any cucumber, not only Dutch ones, is a light and heat-loving culture. A place closer to the top of a gentle hill, the slope of which is oriented to the south or southwest, is ideal for them. At some distance from the bed there should be a barrier that protects it from the cold north wind.
Cucumbers are very fond of warmth and sunlight, so an open place, but protected from cold winds, is selected for the garden
The garden bed or soil in the greenhouse is prepared in the fall. It is not necessary to dig it deeply, the root system of cucumbers is superficial. It is enough to weed and loosen the soil well, at the same time adding 35–45 g of simple superphosphate and 25–30 g of potassium sulfate per 1 m². Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are added in the spring, when the garden bed is loosened again 1.5–2 weeks before planting. You need to choose those that do not contain nitrogen nitrates.
It is important to rotate cultures. In the same place, cucumbers are grown for a maximum of three years.You cannot place them where zucchini, pumpkins, squash grew - plants from the same family suffer from similar diseases. Good predecessors are all nightshades and legumes, cabbage, root vegetables and herbs.
Sowing seeds and growing seedlings
The specific timing of planting seeds in the ground varies depending on the climate in the region. In the warm southern regions, the optimal period is mid-April, in central Russia - the period from early May to the end of the first decade of June.
The planting pattern is about 50 cm between plants and 60–65 cm between rows. No more than 2-3 bushes are placed on 1 m². When planting in a greenhouse, the distance between the bushes is reduced to 35–40 cm, between rows - to 45–50 cm. To save space, you can plant them in a checkerboard pattern.
It is undesirable to thicken the planting of cucumbers - it is more difficult to care for such beds, to harvest, diseases and pests spread to them faster
A handful of humus, a little sifted wood ash, is placed in a hole 8–10 cm deep. Onion peels or crushed eggshells can be added to ward off pests.
Wood ash is a source of potassium and phosphorus, and it also protects seeds and seedlings from pathogenic fungi and pests
One seed is placed in each prepared hole. To speed up the emergence of seedlings, the bed is tightened with any covering material that allows air to pass through (lutrasil, agryl, spunbond) or with cut plastic bottles.
Growing cucumbers with seedlings allows you to harvest 10-15 days earlier than usual. Therefore, experienced gardeners must plant several bushes, and the bulk of them with seeds, in order to provide themselves with fruits throughout the summer.
- As a rule, Dutch seeds are pre-treated, so there is no need to dress them with fungicides to protect them from diseases and soak them in a solution of biostimulants. But practice shows that they respond well to "hardening" - during the week the seeds are placed in the refrigerator at night, and during the day they are left on the windowsill, which is best illuminated by the sun. As a rule, Dutch cucumber seeds have already been treated with drugs to prevent common diseases and pests and biostimulants, so the gardener can skip this preparation stage
- The seeds are sown one at a time, placing them on the edge in small pots, preferably peat pots, deepening by 1–1.5 cm. A universal soil for seedlings is quite suitable for them. First, the substrate must be disinfected, as well as water well and allow moisture to be absorbed. For planting cucumber seeds, standard soil for seedlings is quite suitable
- The containers are covered with glass or plastic wrap, ventilated daily to avoid the formation of condensation and the development of rot. The optimum temperature is + 22 ... + 25 ° C. The substrate should be slightly damp at all times. Only room temperature water is used for watering and spraying. Cucumber seeds sprout quickly enough - it takes 5-7 days
- 7-10 days after the emergence of seedlings, the seedlings are watered with a solution of any biostimulant (Kornevin, Epin, potassium humate), reducing the concentration of the drug by 1.5 times compared to that recommended by the manufacturer. Watering with a biostimulant solution helps the bush to build up green mass, nitrogen-containing fertilizers have a similar effect , but with them it is very easy to mistake concentration and burn the roots
- After 20-25 days, the seedlings are ready for planting. About a week before, it is advisable to start hardening it, taking it outdoors for several hours every day.
Cucumbers do not tolerate any transplant very well. When using peat pots, stress is minimized, since they are planted in the ground along with the container. When using plastic cups, try to destroy the earth ball as little as possible.
Video: how to grow cucumbers in a greenhouse
Further care
The main thing that cucumbers need is watering. In the heat, the soil is moistened 2-3 times a day, in cool weather - every 2-3 days. If it is warm outside, the optimal time for watering is evening, cold - early morning. The water must be warmed up to 23–25 ° C. If cucumbers are grown in a greenhouse, experienced gardeners recommend spraying glass from the inside with a chalk solution in extreme heat. This will help reduce the temperature in it.
Since cucumbers are watered at the root, the soil is gradually washed off from them. During the season you will have to add it 2-3 times. A layer 3-4 cm thick is enough to stimulate the growth of new lateral roots. Each time after watering, the bed is loosened and weeded.
Cucumbers are watered only at the root, drops of moisture remaining on the leaves can provoke the development of rot and other diseases
Due to the abundance of fruiting and the length of the productive period, Dutch varieties and hybrids need enhanced nutrition. For the first time, cucumbers are fed during the formation of fruit ovaries. The use of chemicals during this period is undesirable, therefore, an infusion of fresh cow dung, nettle greens, dandelions diluted with water 1:10 is used. They are watered with plants at the root, sprayed with leaves. Such feeding can be carried out throughout the growing season with an interval of 10-12 days, alternating with the infusion of sifted wood ash and watering with yeast.
Manure infusion is a very effective and completely natural fertilizer
Fertilizers are applied for the second time in 10-15 days. Complex preparations are used - Clean sheet, Hera, Agricola, OMU, Zdraven, Rodnichok and others. The solution is prepared strictly according to the instructions.
The last dressing is aimed at maximizing the fruiting period. Cucumbers are watered with a solution of superphosphate (35–40 g) and potassium sulfate (15–20 g) in 10 liters of water.
Bushes of Dutch cucumber varieties do not need special formation. Both in the greenhouse and in the open field, they are most often formed into one stem. Up to 5-6 internodes remove all lateral branches ("stepsons"). Above they are pinched, leaving 2-3 leaves. It is on these side lashes that the bulk of the crop ripens for these cucumbers.
Even a novice gardener can cope with the formation of a cucumber bush in one lash
Since the vast majority of Dutch cucumbers are hybrids, leaving them on the bush in order for the seeds to ripen is completely useless.
Greens are removed as they ripen, at least once every 2-3 days. This stimulates the formation of new fruit ovaries and leads to higher yields.
Video: tips for growing cucumbers outdoors
Gardeners reviews
Dutch cucumber seeds are highly prized by gardeners all over the world. These varieties and hybrids have many indisputable advantages that ensure their well-deserved popularity. In Russia, the most difficult thing is to choose from the widest assortment the variety that best suits the growing conditions in your particular case. In general, there is nothing difficult in cultivating cucumbers, Dutch or domestic, if you familiarize yourself with the rules of agricultural technology in advance.
