Pick Me: Review of 15 Best Cucumber Varieties for the Middle Lane
The spring planting boom starts with careful planning of your garden work. To get a decent harvest in the end and enjoy the fruits of your labor in winter, you need to choose one of the 15 best cucumber varieties for the middle lane. Some gardeners will want to grow these fruits in a greenhouse, while others will want to grow them on their balconies. With the first glimpses of heat, most will move to vegetable gardens, and open ground is a completely different element. In this regard, it is necessary to select worthy "inhabitants" for each of the mentioned labor sites. Knowing these nuances will help farmers achieve the best results.
Related article: cucumber diseases and their treatment.
Briefly about the main
In parallel with this, the farmer needs to solve four important questions:
- planting site (garden, balcony or greenhouse);
- harvest time (one of the summer months);
- the duration of fruiting;
- for what purposes the cultivation: salting, canning, selling or eating fresh cucumbers.
The gardener should calculate the approximate date for transferring seedlings to open ground and count back 21 days from it. In total, you get the middle of March or early April. This will be the approximate time of sowing seeds for seedlings.
Having decided on these points, the summer resident should pay attention to the features of some varieties of zelents. For example, early varieties of cucumbers bear fruit for a relatively short period. At the same time, their fruits can suffer from various pests and sores. Still, the advantages of such crops include the fact that after 40-50 days you can enjoy the first harvest.
The taste of these hybrids and early ripening is special, since their rind does not give bitterness. Some of them can even be canned or salted. However, it is important to understand that in the middle lane they are threatened by diseases that affect cucumbers. Then the farmer will have to fight the real / false powdery mildew or bacteriosis. In view of this, it is important to choose the right kind of culture for your land.
Some housewives practice sowing half of their "plantations" with varieties just for salting, and leaving the other for universal or salad varieties.
Top five for the greenhouse
Most do not want to deprive themselves of the pleasure of eating greens, therefore they choose this method of growing them. The coolness outside the window is not a reason to rest on your laurels, because a lot has to be done in a greenhouse / greenhouse. They are in a hurry to choose the best varieties of cucumbers for your greenhouse. The main feature of such "sprinters" of growth is that the lateral shoots of the plant do not need to be pinched. The shortened weaves form a compact bush. It is not very lush, so moisture does not collect in its foliage. Indeed, because of her, the stem can begin to rot, and the greens can become covered with powdery mildew.Among the many developed hybrids, it is worth highlighting 5, which are well suited for the "Greenhouse" mission.
Goosebump F1 is a favorite of many
This variety is versatile in the truest sense of the word. It bears fruit perfectly in any conditions: greenhouse, vegetable garden or balcony. In addition, it is not afraid of bad weather conditions. The fruits are set even on cool days. Since zelentsy have excellent taste, they can be used for blanks of a different plan. Also, culture is appreciated for:
- early maturity (maximum 45 days);
- high yield, because more than 3 ovaries are formed near the leaves;
- external attractiveness (a dense bush grows medium in size, not letting out many long shoots);
- original taste: unsurpassed aroma, crispy flesh and lack of bitterness;
- dark green fruit (12 cm) covered with black thorns, which are planted on large tubercles.
This characteristic makes this hybrid the first in the top five leaders of the best varieties of cucumbers for the greenhouse. The age of seeds for sowing should be 3 years or more. Before planting, it is important to disinfect them with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Germination of the variety "Goosebump F1" is very high, so the beds need to be thinned out. Otherwise, the plant will grow slowly. Moreover, the recess in the groove is made up to 5 cm.
"Emelya F1" - from peasant to tsarevich
Initially, breeders bred it as a salad supplement, but later many housewives began to use the fruits for canning / salting. Hybrid "Emelya F1" easily tolerates cool cyclones, while giving excellent yields in bad weather. However, ovaries, as well as fruits, develop more actively in rooms with heating systems. The characteristic features of this culture are:
- self-pollination;
- flowering - female;
- laying of bundle-type ovaries;
- 40-45 days of the growing season;
- medium branching;
- the fruit is fusiform, 15 cm long and weighing 120-150 g (diameter up to 4 cm);
- the skin is thin and without bitterness;
- large lumpy surface covered with white thorns;
- shade - deep green;
- leaves are slightly wavy with an even edge.
A farmer can harvest from 12 to 16 kg of crops from one square meter. However, it is important to ensure that the leaves are not infected with downy mildew or cucumber mosaic virus. This often happens with hermaphrodite fruits.
It is necessary to plant specimens at a distance of 50-75 cm. Then the plant can successfully develop in a greenhouse.
"Benefit F1" - the performance is not over
Either 40 or 50 days can pass from sowing to the appearance of full-fledged fruits. At the same time, flowering (mostly female) is pollinated independently, without the interference of insects. Each axil of the leaf has one pair (2 pcs.) Or a whole "quartet" (4 pcs.) Of ovaries, 8 mm long. From them, refined 10-centimeter oval greens grow.
From a small piece of land (1 m²), a farmer can get up to 6-8 kg of graceful gherkins. A delicate and sweet taste is hidden behind the elastic fruits. Zelentsy "Benefis F1" perfectly tolerate transportation and retain their properties during long-term storage. Many grow cucumbers for sale. The crop thrives on moist soil, making it resistant to relentless powdery mildew and root rot.
For seedlings, their seeds are sown in the last days of April. Experts recommend transferring young seedlings to land "lands" only after a month.
He is called "Alekseevich F1"
Despite such a high-profile title, these gherkins grow up to 8 cm in length. The girth of a miniature fruit in the form of a cylinder is no more than 4-5 cm. Still, many people prefer the Alekseevich cucumber variety, because its yield is 14 kg / m². These greens are suitable for pickles and salting. But for such purposes, they need to be collected on time, when they are no larger than pickles or gherkins in size. Millions love them for their unique features, namely:
- crust without tubercles and sharp spines;
- do not taste bitter;
- greens ripen almost simultaneously;
- germination is observed earlier than all other varieties;
- fruits can be harvested already 38-43 days after germination;
- stature and branching are average.
This crop bears fruit from May to almost October. The inflorescences do not fall off and are rarely empty. The fruits grow even, without curling.
For successful fruiting of the variety, the temperature in the room must be maintained at least 12-15 ° C.
"Boy with a finger" comes from a fairy tale
The first fruits appear 40-45 days after sowing the seeds. Oval dark green cylinders are covered with small thorns. The tubercles are not very pronounced. The peculiarity of this hybrid is that all cucumbers are of the same size. The bush is so thickly hung with them that from the square. meter, you can collect up to 14 kg of such wealth. Moreover, each individual instance will:
- weighing 50-60 g (keeping all its juiciness);
- up to 10 cm long;
- 3-4 cm in diameter (without dense skin).
In only one bunch, the hostess will find up to 6 ovaries. Remarkably, barren flowers are very rare. The bush has an impressive appearance, but the shoots are weakly braided and do not grow much.
Since the fruits are outgrowing, they must be harvested on time, that is, every 2 days or even more often. As soon as they grow up to 6-8 cm in length, it is recommended to pluck them.
With what seeds to go to the garden?
The protected soil and favorable microclimate of the greenhouse will not replace the plants with fresh air, nutritious rain, and the rays of the spring sun. Moreover, an unlimited amount of appetizing product can be obtained from a large land plot. Understanding this, you should know what varieties of cucumbers for open ground the best. It is these seeds that you need to take with you when you go out into the garden in the spring.
"April F1" - early bird of spring
This hybrid is not afraid of cold weather. The appearance of the crop can be observed 45 or 55 days after the germination of the first shoots. Some gardeners start planting seeds very early. In such cases, it is necessary to use film to create a greenhouse effect.
Over the next 30 days, the ovaries are "amicably" formed. However, the best performance was recorded due to two factors: early planting and pollinating insects. Thanks to this, the farmer will harvest from 7 to 13 kg (per 1 sq. M) of the crop from his small plantation. These cucumbers are characterized by the following symptoms:
- large size: 20-25 cm;
- optimal weight - from 200 to 250 g;
- the tubercles are small and sparsely located;
- white thorns;
- greenery does not turn yellow and does not outgrow.
Many people like to grow this crop because it does not require much maintenance. The bush is compact because the branches themselves control the extent of their growth.
It is recommended to plant seedlings in open ground 15-20 days after sowing. The seeds are deepened only 0.5 or 1 cm into the soil. You can make 2 parallel beds, between which there should be at least half a meter wide.
"Masha F1", but without a bear
Among the 15 best cucumber varieties for growing in the middle lane, this one is considered the leader in ripening speed. Only 35 days and a salad of fragrant gherkins will be an original addition to the festive table. The harvest is massively harvested already on the 40th day, which allows them to be preserved. As a result, they are crispy and juicy. Distinctive features varieties "Masha F1" considered:
- the correct, almost even shape of the fruit (up to 10 cm);
- pimpled surface with large tubercles;
- sweet taste, without the slightest bitterness;
- high productivity over a long period;
- tolerance for adverse conditions.
The mosaic virus, as well as powdery mildew, bypass the culture. Nevertheless, white rot or anthracnose may appear on the leaves and stems over time.
To avoid damage to the bush with diseases, you need to fertilize the soil with mullein or humus, and also disinfect the seeds before planting.
"Competitor" to everyone else
The branches of this hybrid are so strongly developed that they can reach 2 meters in length. With the help of graceful tendrils, the plant clings to fences or other structures. The stems form yellow flowers that emit pollen. It is viable for only a few hours, so it is advisable to plant a crop near the apiary. As a result, after 1.5 months, you can go out to the garden with baskets for harvesting, and so on for the next 3 months. These zelents have:
- oblong shape;
- 12 cm fruit;
- weight about 120 g;
- large bumps;
- a long stem (this is a bonus for assembly);
- a ribbed surface painted with white stripes.
Sudden changes in temperature negatively affect fruiting. In this regard, the site must be protected from such anomalies using various devices.
Spring F1 - a source of refreshment
It belongs to the category of mid-season varieties, since the first fruits on the stem can be picked 55 days after seed germination. The inflorescences of the plant are pollinated due to the active work of bees. Up to three knots are tied in one bunch, and the stem itself can shoot up to 5 shoots. Zelentsy reach 12 cm, gaining weight up to 100 g. Outwardly, they look like barrels of a light green hue with small pimples. Since the black thorns are not very densely located, it is much more convenient to pick the fruit. These cucumbers retain their taste characteristics even when pickled and canned.
To get about 25 kg of greens, you need to grow the variety in a trellis method. Otherwise, this figure is reduced to 5-7 kg.
"Ant F1" is not a Hymenoptera
About this hybrid variety of cucumbers, you need to know that the stem does not let long side shoots, therefore the bush is compact. The flowering is pollinated without the intervention of bees. The fruiting period begins after 35 days or more. This is much earlier than that of other early maturing. Despite this, they bear fruit for a relatively short time. Outwardly, the greens resemble real ants, only under a magnifying glass:
- rare black thorns;
- smooth gradation of color from pale to marsh with pronounced white stripes near the nose;
- oval-cylindrical shape of the fruit;
- in the context it is up to 4 cm;
- pulp density is average.
Of course, they are several times longer than insects in length - almost 11 cm. Up to 3-7 cucumbers are tied in one bunch at once. Therefore, from a small plot, a summer resident can expect up to 12 kg of a bountiful harvest.
When growing them in a container, the seedlings should be watered, maintaining the temperature in the room at least 12 degrees. It is desirable to transfer it to the ground already when ordering from 3 to 5 leaves on seedlings.
"Erofei" from the Russian hinterland
This all-rounder is perfect for any culinary experiment. The variety amazes everyone with its paradox. On a dense, luxuriantly growing bush, miniature green plants (only 6-7 cm) "flaunt". These oblong fruits are somewhat reminiscent of chicken eggs, but with some differences. The rind has small bumps and is decorated with symmetrical light green stripes. The type of flowering of the variety "Erofei" is mixed.
The seedlings are transferred to open ground at a temperature of + 15 ° C. In this case, the beds must be weeded, removing weeds and loosening the ground. During the growing season, feeding should not be neglected. It is worth watering the culture in the evening.
In addition to the varieties mentioned above, many farmers successfully "cooperate" with other hybrid varieties. Among them, the popular "Phoenix", for which it is necessary to build a temporary shelter from the film on the garden bed. But this is only at first. While "Dalnevostochny" withstands almost all the vagaries of nature.
Grow even in the shade
The varieties of cucumbers that are suitable for shady places deserve a separate description. Each suburban area has a different degree of relief. Because of this, there are areas that are not fully warmed up by the sun.It is not recommended to plant peppers, tomatoes or eggplant... In this situation, there is practically no room left for the Zelens in the garden. Breeders came to the aid of the gardeners. They bred several varieties of cucumbers that thrive in shady areas. You need to get to know them better.
"F1's Secret" Revealed
A fairly humid microclimate is created in the shade. The genetic characteristics of this hybrid make it protected from powdery mildew and mold. In turn, only one or two flowers are pollinated on the stem. After 38 days, young fluffy fruits appear in their place. They grow up to almost 14 cm and weigh about 120 g. The sharp nose and thin cucumber neck harmoniously complement each other. Its greenish skin is covered with sparse and randomly scattered pimples. The plant is generally weak, so the harvest ripens early.
"Muromsky 36" - the address of the monastery or factory
On the borders of a vegetable garden and a garden, you can easily plant a whole "avenue" from this culture. After literally 1.5 months, the greens will be ready for use. Yet this hybrid was bred exclusively for salting. The main characteristics of the variety include the following:
- relatively smooth surface, covered with small tubercles;
- length no more than 8 cm;
- in section it resembles an ellipse.
Until August 15th, the plant bears fruit at an accelerated rate. Per 1 sq. m turns 4 kg. Yet then the leaves and stems fall ill with fungal diseases, due to which the culture gradually disappears.
Harvesting must be carried out on a tight schedule. The peel acquires a yellowish tint literally in a day. Therefore, you need to pluck them as often as possible.
How are we dear "Moscow Nights F1"
The yield of this hybrid species is over 16 kg per square meter. This despite the fact that it grows in partial shade. For residents of the middle lane, this variety is a real find. The gorgeous fruit with several tubercles reaches 14 centimeters in length. The advantages of this culture are:
- female type of flowering (no need for pollination);
- shoots are strongly woven;
- branches are located on a powerful stem;
- almost simultaneous maturation.
Still, these zelents are afraid of a sharp drop in temperature, therefore, they are not suitable for the autumn-winter season.
They can be grown using the trellis method or build a base in the form of a hut.
Private garden on the balcony
The gardener's instinct manifests itself in many townspeople. However, due to busy schedules and remote rural areas, it is not so easy to bring your ideas to life. This problem can be solved very easily. To do this, you just need to choose the best varieties of cucumbers for the balcony. As a result, from the crisp sound of biting the greens, all the neighbors will have an unprecedented appetite.
"Machaon F1" is almost a relative of large butterflies
Balconies, verandas, loggias, and greenhouses can be a great place for this gherkin species. The elongated stem releases short shoots that do not grow. Refined rough leaves look exquisite in the home interior. Due to their excellent taste, cucumbers are suitable for both salads and pickles. Up to 10 zelents grow from one node, 7 or 11 cm long (60-100 g each). At the same time, the diameter of the fruit is not more than 3.5 cm. But not only "Makhaon" has such characteristics. The following varieties of cucumbers perfectly "get along" with this culture:
- "Biryusa" ";
- "Balcony";
- "Elegant";
- Hummingbird;
- "Non-female local".
This description includes only 15 of the best cucumber varieties for the middle lane, but there are tens of thousands of them in the world. Nevertheless, without the painstaking work of the gardener, any of them will simply wither away.