Content
Cupido onion is a high-yielding hybrid that can be grown in different regions of Russia (from the middle lane to the Far East). Differs in large bulbs, pleasant, not very pungent taste and attractive presentation. Suitable for private farms and commercial cultivation.
Description and characteristics of the Cupido onion
The Cupid onion (sometimes called Cupid) belongs to the first generation hybrids (F1 designation). It is a high-yielding variety, bred in Holland. Refers to heterotic hybrids, i.e. crops with high vitality and fast growth rates. Included in the register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation in 2015. Recommended for cultivation in different regions of the Central region, as well as in the Far East.
Appearance
The feathers of the Cupido onion have a rich green color, reach a height of 30 cm, practically do not form arrows. The bulbs are large (weight 110–130 g), oval or round, slightly elongated along a thin neck. The skin is thin, strong, tightly attached, due to which the keeping quality and transportability of Cupido are quite good. The husk is straw-colored, the appearance is attractive.
Ripening time and yield
Cupido onions are medium early varieties - from germination to final ripening, it takes from 75 to 85 days. The yield is very high and reaches 3.5-4 kg from 1 m2... Accordingly, from each hundred square meters you can get 350-400 kg.
Disease and pest resistance
Onions of this variety are characterized by resistance to most pests and diseases. But he can get hurt by an onion fly. Therefore, the plants should be periodically inspected and when insects appear, two treatments should be carried out with special preparations: Imidacloprid, Dimethoat, Ripkord, Baytikol, Stomaxin.
Plants can be planted between the rows to repel onion flies and other pests. Repellent crops include calendula, marigolds, dill, fennel, fragrant tobacco and others.
Composition and properties
The chemical composition of the pulp and greens of Cupido onions includes the following substances:
- vitamins C, PP, group B;
- proteins;
- Sahara;
- essential oil;
- trace elements (potassium, iron, phosphorus and others);
- phytoncides;
- flavonoids.
In terms of taste, Cupido onions are not as pungent as many familiar varieties. Its pulp is juicy, with a characteristic onion aroma, the taste is soft, quite pleasant.
Where is used
Due to its semi-sharp taste, Cupido onions are used in various dishes. It is added to salads, soups, stews and fried foods. It goes especially well with vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, carrots, beets. Suitable for pickling, it is used for preparations, winter salads.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cupido onions have a pleasant taste and very good yield. It is undemanding to care, so the culture can be grown by both experienced and novice summer residents.
Pros:
- early ripening;
- pleasant, medium-sharp taste;
- universal purpose;
- undemanding care;
- almost no arrows;
- good transportability and keeping quality;
- can be planted in spring and autumn;
- resistance to diseases and pests.
Minuses:
- does not tolerate cold;
- may suffer from onion flies;
- the seed is more expensive than many other varieties.
When to plant Cupido onions
You can plan to plant Cupido onions in the spring or fall. Specific terms depend on the climatic conditions of the region and the method of cultivation:
- Seeds for seedlings are planted 1.5–2 months before transfer to open ground, ie. late February - early March.
- Seedlings are transplanted to the garden in mid-May.
- Sevok can be planted in open ground after the May holidays.
- When grown in autumn, the seedlings are planted in the second half of October or early November.
Methods for planting Cupido onions
Cupido onions can be grown from both sets and seeds. To do this, they must be sown in advance for seedlings, in open ground or in a greenhouse. Cupido belongs to biennial cultures. First, a seed grows from the seeds, from which full-fledged bulbs appear the next season.
Growing from seeds
Seeds must be selected and prepared before planting:
- Immerse in a weak salt solution and discard those seeds that float up.
- Hold for half an hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
- Put for several hours in a solution of "Kornevin" or another growth stimulant.
- Prepare the soil for planting Cupido onion seeds - a universal soil or a mixture of a surface layer with peat, sand and humus (2: 1: 1: 1).
Different containers are used for growing:
- cassettes;
- general boxes or containers;
- "Snails" are homemade constructions from a pot with a built-in tape made of transparent plastic, which goes in a spiral.
Since the seeds of Cupido onions are very small, planting them in separate pots or cups is impractical.
Before planting, you need to make several grooves with a depth of 1–1.5 cm at intervals of 5 cm and distribute the seeds evenly. Sprinkle with soil and cover with foil with holes. Grow at room temperature. As soon as shoots appear, the film should be removed. Seedlings are periodically watered from a spray bottle. They are transplanted into the ground closer to the second half of May. In two weeks, it can be taken out to the balcony or outdoors to harden the seedlings. Fertilizers are not worth adding.
Planting seedlings in open ground
Sevok is bought in specialized stores. Planting material must meet several requirements:
- bulbs are dense;
- small heads - up to 1.5 cm in diameter;
- dense to the touch;
- golden straw color;
- the husk is completely dry;
- elongated shape, there is a nose;
- the smell is pleasant (no mustiness).
The place is chosen dry and open. The site is prepared in advance - it is cleaned, dug up and brought into the ground (by 1 m2) such fertilizers:
- humus - 3 kg;
- ammonium nitrate - 10 g;
- superphosphate - 30 g;
- potassium salt - 15 g.
The scheme of planting onion sets (as well as seedlings of seedlings) is 20 * 10 cm. a distance of 10 cm is left between the seedlings, and 20 cm between the rows. The depth of the holes is 5 cm (in the case of winter planting - 10 cm). Previously, it is recommended to pour the bottom of each well with a solution of "Kornevin" or "Epin" (if the seed was not processed the day before).
Then it is disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and kept for several hours in a solution of any growth stimulant.
Care of the Cupido onion
The Cupido onion is distinguished by its rapid growth rates and unpretentiousness. It grows well in open areas with direct sun exposure. The bulbs give strong roots that penetrate deep into the soil, so the plant is drought tolerant. Planting maintenance is minimal:
- Watering only after the surface layer of the soil dries out. One month before harvesting, they stop giving water.
- If the soil is fertile or fertilizers were applied during the preparation of the site, additional fertilizing is not needed.
- Weeding should be done regularly. To control the growth of weeds, it is recommended to use sawdust, grass cuttings and other mulch.
- Loosening is carried out periodically, after heavy rains or watering.
Harvested from late July to mid-August. As soon as a third of the tops is laid, you can dig up the bulbs (you should not wait for complete lodging). The turnips are dug out with a shovel or a special bracket. But you should not take them with your hands. The bulbs are shaken off the ground, allowed to dry and dried for a week at a temperature of 30-35 degrees. Then they are sent for storage in a dry and cool place (5-7 degrees Celsius).
Conclusion
Cupido onions are one of the best foreign varieties that can be planted both in spring and autumn (before winter). The hybrid is resistant to most diseases and pests, and tolerates drought well. The bulbs are stable and transportable, they have a pleasant taste, so they can be consumed fresh and used for cooking.
Reviews of gardeners about Cupido onions