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According to statistics, cucumbers are one of the most grown vegetable crops in Russia, after potatoes and onions. It is known that the state has allocated more than 90 thousand hectares of land for planting it, and the number of hybrids and varieties used for cultivation has already reached 900. More than 700 species have been bred by domestic breeders.
Gardeners who first started growing cucumbers in greenhouses and greenhouses ask questions: “What hybrid varieties of cucumbers to choose in order to get high yields and tasty fruits? Why are hybrids preferred when planting and how to choose the variety that best suits the requirements? "
Benefits of planting hybrid varieties
All cucumber seeds offered for sale today are divided into hybrid and varietal. The main difference is the ability to collect seeds for planting next season. When harvesting varietal cucumbers, 2-3 ripe fruits are left on the bush until they are fully ripe, and then the material is collected for subsequent cultivation.
Hybrid varieties are unsuitable for such collection. Seeds are obtained by selective crossing of various types and forms of cucumbers, while securing parental heterosis (resistance to diseases and climatic conditions). In this case, varieties of high yield are taken as a basis.
The best varieties of hybrids are those created by breeders in the same generation. They have exceptional hardiness, long vegetation and certain criteria in the density and size of the fruit. In addition, hybrids practically do not undergo diseases typical for vegetables grown in greenhouses and greenhouses. They are able to give a large number of fruits even in unfavorable years for yields.
Today there are quite a lot of hybrid seeds on sale. Their cost is slightly higher than usual, which is caused by the long and difficult work of breeders. When choosing the material required for planting, be sure to read the instructions.
How to choose the right one
The main factors influencing the choice of seeds are the conditions for growing cucumbers (in a greenhouse or outdoors) and the purpose of using the crop (canning, pickling, salads). On the shelves you can find the best seeds from German and Dutch producers, but gardeners with experience in growing vegetables recommend choosing self-pollinated varieties that are bred by breeders for your region.
If you are going to grow a crop in a greenhouse or greenhouse, be sure to pay attention to the following information in the instructions:
- How often you need to fertilize the plant;
- What is the way to form;
- What type of pollination;
- The degree of endurance to temperature extremes;
- Growth under shaded lighting;
- Fruit ripening time;
- Seasonality of ripening;
- Harvest use and long-term storage.
As a rule, all these data are present in the descriptions of hybrids. Recommendations for growing seeds in film panics or polycarbonate greenhouses must also come to them.
Translated from Italian, this symbol means “children of the first generation”.
If the plant will be grown in a greenhouse, the design of which provides for a sliding ceiling, you can choose an insect pollinated hybrid for planting.
Types and groups of hybrids
When choosing for yourself a certain variety of cucumbers for planting, it is important to know the criteria for distinguishing one or another hybrid and the possibility of growing it in your climatic zone.
Breeders have identified three main types of hybrid cucumbers:
- With active branching... In the process of growth, the plant produces a large number of small shoots in each ovary, which must be pinched;
- Moderate branching - have small side shoots;
- Low-branching (otherwise called inert) - small shoots are concentrated in a bunch, and visually resemble small bouquets.
A large role in the branching process is played by the genetic data of the variety, but during cultivation, external climatic factors can also affect it. For example, if you are growing spring-summer varieties of cucumbers, be prepared for the fact that there should always be a lot of lighting in the greenhouse.
Another type of hybrid is cold-resistant. Bred by breeders specifically for the northern regions of the country. It is known that the fruit of the cucumber always reacts to a sudden drop in temperatures, and even if the greenhouse is insulated, the plant is at risk of contracting a fungal infection. Winter varieties of hybrids are resistant to any viral diseases and easily tolerate fairly low temperatures.
The best yielding varieties for greenhouses
For growing cucumbers in greenhouse conditions, it is recommended to choose those varieties of hybrids that have a long growing season and are able to bear fruit at any time of the year. Since you can start planting seedlings in the greenhouse as early as mid-March, choose varieties with high yields, and you are guaranteed to harvest the freshest fruits almost all year round.
The best domestic hybrids for growing in greenhouses
Dynamite F1
Does not require special care, regular feeding and watering, resistant to viral and fungal diseases, easily tolerates low light. It belongs to the group of the earliest varieties, since the seedlings can be transplanted into greenhouse conditions at the very beginning of spring.
Hercules 1
Late-ripening variety. It is planted in the ground at the beginning or in the middle of summer, and bears fruit until the end of November. Resistant to cold, the crop has a large number of gherkins, ideal for canning.
Emelya 1
It has a long growing season, so yield is the main advantage of this hybrid. In addition, the variety is quite versatile and suitable for use both raw and in salting and preservation.
Vyaznikovsky-37
Time-tested crop hybrids. High quality universal fruits, reaching a length of 10-12 cm. The variety is resistant to diseases, does not require regular watering and feeding.
Phoenix 640
A peculiarity of the hybrid is that it is insect pollinated, therefore it must be grown only in open-top greenhouses. Fruits are medium to large in size, without bitterness, firm and crunchy.
Dutch cultivars for greenhouses
As a recommendation, the most productive hybrids of the new generation, adapted to growth in the climatic conditions of Central Russia, were selected:
Bettina F1
A variety belonging to the parthenocarpic species. Fruits are small, cylindrical gherkins. Refers to early high-yield hybrids.
Hector F1
Has exceptional fruit for pickling and preserving. These gherkins are small, firm and extremely tasty. Seeds are planted in early spring, and the long growing season allows harvesting until mid-autumn.
Angelina
Self-pollinating variety, therefore, suitable for growing in any greenhouse or greenhouse. An early hybrid with crunchy gherkins.
F1 Bride
For true "gourmets" of the garden and vegetable garden, breeders in Germany and Holland began to develop the best exclusive varieties of hybrids, literally striking not only in their size, but also in color. Recently, Dutch seeds "F1 Bride" can be found on the domestic agricultural market. These are white cucumbers of regular cylindrical shape, up to 6-7 cm long, with tender and tasty pulp.
The best varieties in terms of cultivation
The main selection criterion is the estimated planting time and the time for a bountiful harvest. Based on these data, breeders divided all hybrid varieties into groups according to growing time:
- End of summer... Seedlings of cold-resistant varieties are grown, with a high degree of resistance to fungal diseases and low light. These are such as Novgorodets F1, Graceful, Emelya F1, Muromsky.
- Winter-spring... Hybrids with a short growing season. All varieties have a dense fruit structure and excellent taste without the characteristic bitterness. These include: Moscow greenhouse, Blagovest F1, Relay F1.
- Spring... The best yielding hybrids, unpretentious to regular watering and feeding, do not require bright lighting. The best yielding varieties of the group: Zozulya F1, April F1... Both varieties bear fruit, the average weight of which can reach 230-250 grams.
These are just a few hybrid varieties that have proven themselves well among knowledgeable gardeners. If you are just starting to grow cucumbers in hotbeds and greenhouses, carefully consider the choice of seeds. When buying, choose the most popular and proven hybrids by gardeners from trusted manufacturers.
