Cucumber is a wild berry from the pumpkin family native to India. It is difficult to say when people did not know how to grow them. At least, frescoes over 6 thousand years old are known on which these fruits are depicted. The history of growing cucumbers in Russia begins many centuries ago. It is believed that long before the 9th century, it was a popular garden culture among our ancestors. European travelers have always been amazed that, despite the harsh Russian climate, cucumbers grow better than theirs.
Russian selection of cucumbers
For many years, the Murom variety of cucumbers was the leader in Russia. Perfectly adapted to the harsh climate, he always gave good harvests and had excellent taste. Muromsky became the basis for the selection of many modern varieties. Many territories have disputed the primacy for growing the best cucumbers. Fortunately, Russian selection was not interrupted even in the dashing 90s of the last century. The popularity of this product and the simplicity of its cultivation made this almost impossible.
In 2007, the Zedek agricultural company introduced a new hybrid of cucumber - Prestige. The variety showed itself perfectly when grown for the conditions of the central black earth regions and Western Siberia. It takes only 42–45 days from sowing to receiving the first fruits, which allows it to be grown in open ground. But he feels great even under greenhouse conditions or even on the balcony. What contributes to the compactness of the plant.
Description
Cucumber Prestige refers to mid-season varieties. The bush itself is medium-branched, indeterminate. Female type flower. Ovaries are formed by bundles of 3-4 pieces. The leaf is dark green. The fruits are short, regular cylindrical shape. The length usually does not exceed 10 cm, and the mass is 90 grams. The color is dark green with a light top, from which short stripes diverge. The fruit is covered with large tubercles and frequent pubescence. The pulp without bitterness remains crispy for a long time.
With quality care per square meter, it is easy to collect more than 25 kg of fruit. Fruiting throughout the growing season - to frost. Zelentsy does not outgrow, and after collecting for a long time they retain their presentation. Suitable for canning. The variety is well adapted to the conditions of a sharp temperature difference, in addition, it is not afraid of shading.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any hybrid, the F1 Prestige cucumber is very different from its natural predecessors:
- Gives a stable crop with proper observance of all agricultural practices.
- High rate of fruiting.
- When grown in cucumbers Prestige on the same inflorescence, fruits of almost the same size and color are formed.
- High biological value of fruits.
- Resistance to diseases and pests.
- Easy to grow. They tolerate significant environmental changes.
Among the shortcomings, only one can be noted - young cucumbers have rather spiky bristles. Before using them, it is worth washing with a brush. In addition, it is worth remembering that F1 hybrid seeds are most effective only at the first planting. If you independently engage in the procurement of seeds, then subsequent generations can already change their properties.
Cultivation methods
Prestige cucumbers were developed for open ground in the climatic zone of central Russia. But they will feel equally good under film shelter and on the balcony. Just do not forget that this is an indeterminate plant and, like a vine, is practically unlimited in growth. Depending on the landing conditions, a decision is made whether to pinch.
Cucumbers Prestige, planted in the greenhouse in the seedling method, need to be limited in growth, but they can already give a good harvest from the beginning of May. For this, seedlings are transferred to specially prepared beds, starting in April and during the first month, heating of the greenhouse is required. When grown on a loggia, Prestige can bear fruit long after the first frost. Naturally, at the same time they need additional care.
Agrotechnical techniques
When choosing a landing site for Prestige cucumbers, crop rotation should be considered. As previous cultures, some types of nightshade, such as tomatoes, are well suited. It can be planted after pepper and all types of cabbage. It is nice to use the beds after the salad and root vegetables such as turnips.
Earth must be dug, approximately a bayonet in depth with a shovel. The beds should not be made wider than 1 meter, it will be difficult to care for the plant. The level of the beds is usually done higher than the tracks. For early planting, it is good to use incompletely blown compost with the addition of organic fertilizers. It’s good to cover it with foil for 10 days so that the earth warms up to a great depth.
Seedling technology
Depending on how to plant the cucumbers, the timing of the first harvest depends. If you want to get an early harvest, you should use the seedling method of planting. For the May harvest, seeds are planted in March. It is better to use individual peat pots.
Before planting, the seeds are soaked for about a day. Preferably using a growth accelerator. They make sure that the earth under the seedlings does not dry out. On the 5-6th day after planting, the first sprouts appear. The bush is ready for transplantation when 5–6 true leaves appear. This usually happens in mid-April.
To get the first crop in June, seeds for seedlings are planted in April. They are planted in the ground in mid-May. There is no need to create greenhouse conditions. The main thing is to protect plants from late frosts.
Seed growing
Consider the option of how to plant cucumbers with seeds directly in the ground. With early planting - in mid-May, the seeds are not soaked. In this case, the crop can be obtained by early July. For a later harvest, it is better to plant in late May - early June. In this case, the seeds are pre-soaked.
When planting, the seeds are deepened by 3 cm and a distance of 30 cm is left between the bushes. After planting, the garden should be powdered with black pepper. Before the shoots appear, the bed is left alone.
Care
Cucumbers are a very simple crop to grow. The main thing is to provide weeding and regular watering. During the fruiting period, the plant should be watered daily. It is better to do this before sunset. Do not use tap water or directly from the well. For irrigation, it is worth using a special tank where the water is pre-sedimented and warmed up to a temperature of at least 18 ° C.
The first feeding is done three weeks after emergence, and then with a regularity of 7 days. According to reviews, cucumber Prestige grows better if you plant backstage crops. Corn and sunflower are well suited for this.
Cucumbers enjoy well-deserved popularity among summer residents and farmers. Easy to grow culture allows you to have fresh vegetables all summer. Cucumbers are great for pickling and pickling. In winter, this is a great addition to the menu. Even a small bed allows you to fully provide the family with this product.