An experienced gardener is unlikely to ask what a parthenocarpic cucumber variety is. The specific term on the seed package perplexes beginners, those who only recently started a summer cottage and built a greenhouse on it.
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What is parthenocarpic cucumber
If the word parthenocarpy is translated from Greek, it will mean “virgin fruit”.Simply, the fruit is obtained without the participation of male flower pollen, that is, without pollination.
If you cut partenokarpichesky Zelenets, then cut there may be no seeds at all or they will be very smallnot formed. With the advent of cucumbers of this type, a new stage began in the development of greenhouses. There is no need for pollination.
Most recently, hives with bees were placed in industrial greenhouses; now they are not needed. Choosing the right variety for the greenhouse solves the problem.
The advantages and disadvantages of cucumbers
Let us first evaluate the advantages that a summer resident who has planted parthenocarpic cucumbers will have. The first plus is yield. In bee pollinated varieties, it depends on insects, in self-pollinating on weather and insects. The crop is affected by low light, excessive soil moisture.
Partenocarpic varieties show stable yields, regardless of insect pollinators and weather conditions. You can plant cucumbers under the covering material, the fruits will be successfully formed in complete isolation.
These varieties are successfully grown:
- In the apartment on the windowsill.
- On the loggia.
- In the greenhouse.
- In the open ground.
- Under temporary shelter.
The second plus is taste and quality of fruits. Due to the lack of seeds, the pulp has a pleasant delicate structure, the same in density. There is no bitterness in cucumbers. Zelentsy are an excellent raw material in the production of canned vegetables.
Top Grades
As always in the spring begins the search for suitable varieties. I want to have an early harvest without much hassle. Consider a few proven in practice, parthenocarpic varieties.
Pasamonte F1 - hybrid, gives the crop early. It takes a little more than a month (35 days) from the emergence of seedlings to the removal of the first cucumber. Cucumbers can be pickled. They are good in salads. Seeds before packaging are specially treated, so they can be sown without prior preparation.
Emelya F1 - A hybrid that will delight in yield and excellent immunity. Even in adverse conditions, it gives a full crop of cucumbers (15 cm) with a smooth, green color. The first wave of the crop 40 days after germination.
Herman F1 - A hybrid with a stable yield, little susceptible to infections.Fruits with white thorns are formed by 7-8 pieces in a bundle, have the same size (3 * 12cm). Purpose is universal. The first cucumbers ripen in 40 days.
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- Pasamonte F1
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- Emelya F1
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- Herman F1
Features of cultivation in the open and protected ground
Partenocarpic cucumbers are best grown in a polycarbonate greenhouse. Under the conditions of a protected ground, it is easier to care for cucumbers with a beam type of fruiting. Maintain the optimum temperature and the necessary humidity.
Planting seeds
Seeds can be planted straight into the ground or sow in peat cups for seedlings. Germination of purchased seeds is not guaranteed, therefore, 2-3 dry seeds or 1 of them are planted in the hole (cup).
Before planting, dig the soil in each hole, add a quarter of a bucket of humus, ½ cups of ash. The soil should warm up before planting seeds.
Seeds will not grow if the temperature at a depth of 12 cm less than 15 degrees. The bed should be covered with PVC film. The film will retain moisture in the soil, it will accelerate the germination of seeds.
Care of the first shoots
When the first shoots appear, remove the film and replace it with covering material. During the day you can clean it up, and at night throw it on the young shoots. Between the holes is to put 1.5-5 l plastic bottles with water.
During the day, the water heats up, and at night it gives off heat and maintains the air temperature. During this period, abundant watering is not needed. The earth should be moderately wet. Water for irrigation to take warm, defended.
Watering and weeding
If planted cucumbers, get ready for them water every 3 days. During the period of active fruiting and hot weather every 2 days. Water before watering to defend. It should be warm. One watering can should be enough for 2 plants.
Weeding will also take time. Will help mulch - a layer of dry grass (10-15 cm) will cover the soil and reduce the amount of weed grass on the ridge. Mulch also reduces evaporation and reduces the likelihood of frequent cucumber disease - powdery mildew.
This type of cucumber responds well to all types of dressings (root, foliar).Before fruiting 1 time in 7-10 days to feed herbal infusion, infusion of mullein or a solution of ammonium nitrate.
In bad weather - foliar dressing:
- milk with iodine;
- water plus boric acid.
Pinch and feed
Pinch central stem of parthenocarpic cucumbers not necessary. This is a feature of this species. In self-pollinated and bee-pollinated species, you need to pinch the main stem over 5 leaves.
But it is necessary to pull out all the ovaries and flowers in each of the 4 lower sinuses. This technique is called blindness. The goal, which at the same time pursue - to send nutrients to the development of the plant.
Shrub formation
To the trellis tied stem after 4 leaves. As you grow, you need to form a bush:
- Starting from a height of 0.5 m to 1.5 m to pinch the shoots above 2 sheets.
- After 1.5 m - above 4 sheets.
- When the crown of the stem reaches the top of the trellis, throw it over the top wire.
- At a distance of 0.6 m from the ground pinch the top of the main stem.
Harvesting and Storage
Every two days need to inspect cucumber lash and pick cucumbers.
In this case, greengrass does not outgrow, the formation of new ovaries accelerates. It turns out that the timely collection of fruits helps to increase yields. Collected cucumbers stored in a cool, dark room or in the refrigerator.
It is worth acquiring parthenocarpic cucumber varieties for their country economy. A rich harvest of Zelentsov will provide: the correct scheme of planting, timely feeding and measures for the formation of the bush.