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Cucumbers are vegetables that can be enjoyed all season long (from April to October). Such "longevity" of vegetables is given by different varieties, which are divided according to the degree of ripening of the fruit. There are early cucumbers, mid-season and late ones. At the same time, mid-season varieties occupy the largest niche, they are used more often than others, and there are a number of reasons for this. All the features and characteristics of mid-season cucumbers will be discussed in this article.
Definition of mid-season varieties
The main distinguishing feature of mid-season cucumber varieties is the ripening period of the fruit, equal to 45-55 days.
This means that the cucumber begins to bear fruit 45-55 days after planting the seeds in the ground.
However, this period is very conditional, the rate of ripening of cucumbers depends on many factors, the main ones of which are:
- seed quality;
- type of soil;
- greenhouse conditions or planting in an open area;
- timely watering;
- daytime and nighttime temperatures of the earth and air;
- absence of diseases of the bush;
- the climatic zone in which the region is located.
All these factors together affect the rate of ripening of the first cucumbers, as well as the yield of vegetables.
Classification of types of cucumber
All varieties and hybrids of cucumbers are divided into several categories. After dividing into species according to the rate of maturation, it is necessary to consider the general classification of varieties. So, like all the others, mid-season cucumbers are divided according to:
- Pollination type. There are bee-pollinated varieties, parthenocarpic and self-pollinated.
- Growing method: greenhouse and soil.
- According to the purpose of the fruit: for fresh consumption, for preservation and universal varieties, suitable for both salad and pickling.
Selection of the best mid-season varieties
Before buying seeds, it is necessary to clearly define what the cucumbers are for, where they will be planted, and by whom they will pollinate.
Experienced gardeners argue that preference should be given to self-pollinated mid-season varieties for the greenhouse, and bee-pollinated ones - for open ground.
Another important feature of mid-season varieties is their weak resistance to temperature extremes. Unlike early cucumbers, which are planted in barely warmed ground, seeds of medium varieties are sown in late May - early Junewhen the temperature of the soil and air returns to normal, and the probability of frost is minimized.
Therefore, breeders paid more attention to the disease resistance of medium cucumbers than to their hardening. But the diseases characteristic of cucumbers are not terrible for mid-season varieties, the seeds are processed for the most frequent "cucumber ailments".
"Vyaznikovsky 38"
Cucumbers of this variety grow small - 7-9 cm, but round and weighty - up to 130 grams.
One of the mid-season bee-pollinated varieties intended for cultivation in the open field is Vyaznikovsky 38. Fruits grow on the 40-57th day after planting the seeds (depending on the region). The seeds are hardened from major diseases and from low temperatures.
With artificial manual pollination, the variety can be grown in a greenhouse, greenhouse conditions increase the yield of cucumbers. The bushes are small with short lashes, which improves ventilation of the stems and prevents them from decay.
Cucumbers are light green with small tubercles. They are equally tasty both fresh and in a jar.
"Competitor"
One of the most persistent and "life-loving" varieties. The cucumber is distinguished by strong growth, strong stems withstand any shock.
The first zelents are ready to be harvested on the 50th day after the emergence of shoots. The “Competitor” variety is perfect for mass cultivation of cucumbers in the field or garden.
Zelentsy have a dense peel with large pimples and black thorns, do not have bitterness, therefore they are used both in salad and for pickling.
"April F1"
The bushes are distinguished by a large number of ovaries, the first batch of picked cucumbers is the largest part of the entire crop. You need to collect greens every other day, they are not prone to yellowing and overripening.
A representative of mid-season parthenocarpics, this hybrid does not need bees. It can be grown in a greenhouse, on a balcony, and in an open field. The largest yields can be obtained in greenhouse conditions.
The fruits are large, dark green in color and cylindrical and regular in shape. There are also pimples, and the length of a cucumber reaches 25 cm. Excellent taste makes it possible to classify the hybrid as a salad, but if necessary, the April F1 cucumbers can be preserved for the winter.
"Nezhinsky"
Cucumber bushes "Nezhinsky" are very powerful, withstand low temperatures and are resistant to diseases. Suitable for greenhouse and open field cultivation.
One of the very first varieties. Refers to bee-pollinated, differs long period of fruiting and high yields.
The fruits of this cucumber variety are some of the best for canning. The cucumbers are medium-sized and bluish-green in color, with large thorns and tubercles.
Libella F1
The hybrid is suitable for long-term fruiting; with proper care, fresh cucumbers will appear throughout the season.
Hybrid "Libella" is used for planting in greenhouses and greenhouses... Zelentsy will sing on the 47-53rd day. Cucumbers are elliptical in shape, small in size and white fluff on the peel. The length of the zelents reaches 14 cm, and the weight is 140 grams.
The taste of cucumbers is excellent, without bitterness, juicy and aromatic. They can be preserved and cut into salads; when salted, cucumbers do not lose their elasticity and remain crispy.
"Fun Company F1"
A distinctive feature of the variety "Veselaya Company F1" is a large percentage of gherkins. This fact will definitely delight lovers of small pickled cucumbers.
The hybrid is suitable for growing outdoors and under plastic. Cucumbers grow small, have a regular cylindrical shape and a bright green hue.
"Table"
The strong points of the cucumber are its high yield and taste.
The name of the variety "Zastolny" speaks for itself - these cucumbers are perfect for preservation for the winter. Seeds can be grown both outdoors and in film greenhouses and greenhouses.
Zelentsy are small, cylindrical in shape. Cucumbers are distinguished by a weak waxy bloom on the peel and a glossy shine. Light streaks appear on the green skin.
"Mother-in-law F1"
A hybrid with an interesting name also belongs to mid-season varieties. The vegetable develops well in garden plots and in closed greenhouses.
Cucumbers grow small - 7-9 cm, have a beautiful, regular shape, a dark green hue and a dense peel decorated with thorns.
The yield of hybrid cucumbers is high, the pulp and peel are free of bitterness. Cucumbers "Mother-in-law F1" are equally good for salad and for preservation.
Tips from experienced gardeners
Experienced farmers recommend not to fall for beautiful packaging and not to purchase seeds from an unknown manufacturer. Indeed, the yield depends to a greater extent on the quality of the seed material.
Another subtlety - in regions with late summer, it is better to do without early varieties for open ground altogether, they can only be planted in greenhouses. To prevent frosts from destroying the ovary, it is better to plant mid-season varieties - let the first cucumbers appear a week or two later, but the harvest will be plentiful, and fruiting for a long time.
