We recommend Lukhovitsky cucumbers for growing in the country
Lukhovitsky cucumbers are a complex concept. It includes crops grown in the city of Lukhovitsy, Moscow Region, as well as a separate hybrid variety of cucumbers, which was officially entered into the State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2006. The Lukhovitsky variety of cucumbers is intended for cultivation both under film shelters in greenhouses and in the open field. It is widely used due to its rapid ripening, high disease resistance, ease of cultivation and excellent taste of the fruit.
What varieties are grown in Lukhovitsy
Lukhovitsy is a small town in the Moscow region, which is called the "cucumber capital" of Russia. The Lukhovitsky region has long been famous for the cucumber industry. It is distinguished by unique soil and climatic conditions, thanks to which gardeners manage to grow cucumbers with a thin skin, without voids and with excellent taste. That is why the vegetable crop is grown here on an industrial scale.
How cucumbers are planted in Lukhovitsy depends on their variety. In this region, not only Lukhovitsky, but also other varieties are grown:
- Libelle - forms a large number of ovaries, due to which it is possible to collect up to 7-9 kg of harvest from 1 sq. M.
- Graceful - mid-season variety, fruit length is 10-14 cm. Productivity reaches 6-7 kg from 1 sq. M.
- Marinda - this variety belongs to medium early, elliptical fruits, up to 11-13 cm long. Average yield, up to 6-7 kg.
- Salinas - differs in a bundle-shaped form of ovaries and high yields, allowing you to collect up to 8-9 kg of ripe fruits without bitterness.
- Adam - belongs to the most productive varieties with a strong immune system, giving up to 9-11 kg per 1 sq. M.
- Muromsky - is distinguished by high susceptibility to diseases and large size of fruits, the weight of which reaches 120-150 g.
But the most popular and widespread is the Lukhovitsk variety of cucumbers. An appetizing and crispy vegetable that has glorified the region throughout Russia has even been erected a monument in the city center.
Cucumbers Lukhovitsky - variety description
Lukhovitsky cucumbers are a variety that can be grown both in the open field and in greenhouses. The yield of a crop depends on the conditions of its growth - in open beds up to 8-9 kg, under a film shelter in a greenhouse, you can collect up to 22-25 kg of fruits.
The culture is fast ripening. The first shoots appear within 7-8 days after sowing the seeds. The crop can be harvested in 5-6 weeks, in the greenhouse - a few weeks earlier than in the open field.
Description of Lukhovitsky cucumbers:
- the root system is superficial;
- a bush of medium height, with a small number of lateral processes;
- ovaries in the form of bunches;
- inflorescences are exclusively female, therefore they do not require pollination;
- fruits are green, with small pimples, of the same size, with barely noticeable stripes on the sides;
- the peel is thin and elastic;
- the cucumber pulp is juicy, with small grains;
- average fruit weight - 80-100 g, length up to 11-13 cm;
- the taste of the fruit is pleasant, sweetish, without bitterness.
Vegetable culture tolerates high humidity and lack of light, but does not tolerate drafts. It does not slow down growth and does not require the installation of special lighting lamps in the greenhouse
The cultivation of Lukhovitsky cucumbers has gained wide popularity, since this variety is distinguished by early ripening, high yield rates, excellent keeping quality and transportability of fruits.
Growing Lukhovitsky cucumbers
The variety belongs to universal, it can be grown both in open soil and in greenhouses. There are two ways how cucumbers are grown in Lukhovitsy - by seeds and seedlings. To get a rich harvest of crispy cucumbers, you need to properly prepare the soil.
The seeds do not need any special preparation, as they are sold processed. The only thing gardeners advise is to put the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for a short time.
Soil selection and preparation
When growing Lukhovitsky cucumbers, you can choose almost any area - both shaded and well-lit. The culture grows well in direct sunlight, they do not burn the leaves and do not impair the crunchiness of the fruit. The best option would be moist soil rich in organic matter.
Start preparing the soil for growing cucumbers of the Lukhovitsky variety in the fall - dig trenches up to 30-40 cm deep and 1.5 m wide. humus and cover with soil.
In the spring, scald the prepared beds with boiling water, remove the soil with humus. Line the bottom of the trenches with plastic wrap and pour a layer of sawdust and urea on top (thickness up to 10-12 cm).
Heat the manure to 50-55 °, sprinkle on top with the soil, cover with dark plastic wrap. After 4 days, punch several holes in it for cucumber seedlings or seed.
Planting cucumber seeds
Planting seeds of Lukhovitsky cucumbers is carried out in the second half or end of May. Seeds are planted in pre-prepared trenches to a depth of 5 cm, the distance between them should be about 35-40 cm.
Cucumber seeds can be disinfected in advance by soaking in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. To increase the resistance of the culture to frost, the seed is placed on the lower shelf of the refrigerator and frozen.
Planting seedlings
Lukhovitsky cucumbers are also grown in seedlings. In this case, sowing is carried out in early or mid-April, and disembarkation in open soil in late May or early June. Plant cucumber seeds in peat pots - they do not require further diving, since the culture has a fragile and weak root system, which does not tolerate diving well enough.
Growing seedlings:
- mix ordinary soil with leaf humus;
- cover the containers with plastic wrap and leave until sprouts appear;
- after the first shoots appear, remove the film coating and move the peat pots to a sunny place;
- at the end of May, cut the walls of the pots and transplant the seedlings into trenches prepared in the fall.
Install wire frames over the cucumber beds and attach the film to them. After establishing a stable warm air temperature, this structure can be removed.
Lukhovitsky cucumber care
Lukhovitsky cucumbers are undemanding in cultivation, caring for a vegetable crop consists of standard procedures:
- An important role in the care of cucumbers of the Lukhovitsky variety is given to regular watering. At the beginning of the growing season, the culture requires a small amount of moisture, as the fruits ripen, watering should be more frequent and more abundant.
- For feeding Lukhovitsk cucumbers, it is best to use organic feeding - bird droppings or mullein infusion.
- The soil in the garden with vegetable crops must be systematically loosened, and weeds must be regularly controlled. Loosening should be done very carefully so as not to damage the cucumber roots.
- The plant requires regular pruning of the lower dry, yellowed and lethargic leaves.No more than 2 shoots can be left on one stem.
- Cucumbers of the Lukhovitsk variety can be grown vertically using special props.
- To prevent downy mildew and other diseases, Lukhovitsky cucumbers are sprayed Fitosporin, Sulfaride or Bordeaux liquid. To combat melon aphids and other pests, the culture is treated with an ash and soap solution.
When growing a crop, you need to pay special attention to watering it. Lukhovitsky cucumbers have a very sensitive, shallow root system that can be easily injured during a dive or watering.
For irrigation, settled, warm water is used. When irrigating plants in hot weather, you need to be careful not to get water on the cucumber foliage and erode the root system. The best time to water is evening.
Lukhovitsky cucumbers are a widespread and versatile variety that is in great demand among gardeners and farmers. It is distinguished by early ripening, high yield rates, excellent taste, keeping quality and transportability.