Content
Most of the owners of their own land plots prefer to independently grow all kinds of vegetable crops, among which cucumbers are the most common cucumbers. The species created as a result of genetic crossing called Hector is very popular among various varieties. Description and reviews of the Hector F1 cucumber testify to the yield and sustainability of this variety.
Description of the cucumber variety Hector
Hector is an early ripening variety of bush-shaped cucumbers with a female way of developing physiological flowering processes, which is recommended for breeding in open space. The vegetable crop grows in the form of a low-growing bush, about 75 - 85 cm high. This variety of cucumbers has practically no branched inflorescences. The Hector F1 variety is weather-resistant, so it can be used by gardeners in different climates. The flowers of the plant are pollinated by bees.
The oval fruits of this cucumber variety have a wrinkled, bumpy surface. The thin outer shell is covered with a noticeable waxy coating with protruding soft light spines. The size of fruits with a diameter of about 3 cm reaches a length of 10 - 12 cm, the average weight is 100 g.
Taste qualities of cucumbers
Cucumbers Hector have excellent taste characteristics, which is why they are popular among vegetable growers. The dense juicy pulp of the variety has a fresh herbaceous aroma with a sweetish aftertaste. The watery vegetable has excellent refreshing qualities. The seeds of unripe fruits have a delicate consistency. Cucumbers Hector do not have a bitter taste and are distinguished by a spicy cucumber smell.
Pros and cons of Hector cucumber varieties
The process of growing cucumbers of the Hector F1 variety by land owners has specific pros and cons.
Positive aspects of using this type of vegetable:
- rapid ripening - after 30 days - after planting the seedlings in the ground;
- a large percentage of the products obtained, involving the collection of 5 - 6 kg of cucumbers from a piece of land with an area of 1 m²;
- resistance to damage by specific diseases;
- frost resistance, related to low limits of temperature reduction;
- preservation of the taste of fruits during transportation;
- admissibility of use for canning.
Among the disadvantages of the Hector variety, the following are noted:
- the annual purchase of seeds for planting, due to the receipt of this variety of cucumbers by crossing plant crops;
- possible thickening of the skin of cucumbers due to late harvest, affecting the taste;
- fruiting only the first 3 weeks.
Optimal growing conditions
Hector cucumber seeds are sown in the open field, as well as in greenhouse conditions. The most suitable time for this is the end of April, May, when the air temperature rises to 15 - 20 ° C. Among the optimal requirements for growing crops in order to obtain a rich harvest are:
- use for planting fertile sandy plots of land with high water permeability, good absorption of solar heat;
- soil enrichment before sowing with peat, minerals, humus, compost;
- the location of seeds in the soil at a depth of less than 4 - 5 cm.
Growing cucumbers Hector F1
After planting seeds of cucumbers of the Hector variety, it is necessary to constantly care for the sown plot of land. First of all, the rules of optimal watering should be observed, which imply systematic irrigation with maximum soil moisture during the fruiting period.
In addition, it is recommended to carry out systematic weeding, as well as remove yellowed, dried leaves and lashes of the plant.
An additional valuable nutrient for the soil is organic mulch, which also prevents the active growth of weeds in the cultivated area.
Direct planting in open ground
When planting cucumbers in the soil, you must adhere to certain recommendations:
- 15 - 20 days before sowing the crop, the soil should be dug up and enriched with fertilizers;
- place cucumber seeds in the prepared loosened soil at a depth of 2 - 3 cm;
- to accelerate the fruiting of cucumbers, use pre-grown seedlings;
- sow a vegetable in the form of garden beds;
- do not use land plots where pumpkin plants were previously grown.
Seedling growing
For growing cucumbers Hector F1, light sandy lands are most preferable. It is not advisable to plant a vegetable crop on soils with high acidity, as well as on clayey infertile areas. Loosening of the soil is carried out by farmers to achieve better permeability of valuable substances and full moisture in the future.
Cultivation of a culture by seedlings is carried out in late March or early April. Fertile soil at room temperature is poured into small containers (ordinary plastic cups with cut holes at the bottom can be used for this purpose to release excess moisture). Cucumber seeds are sown in them at a depth of 1 cm, sprinkled with earth, gently watered with water, covered with foil and set aside in a warm, bright place for further plant germination. To speed up the process, the seeds can be put in a cloth soaked in water for 2 - 3 days in advance.
When several green leaves appear, the seedlings are transferred to the prepared open ground.
Watering and feeding
The amount of water used for optimal soil moisture when growing Hector cucumbers depends on the territorial and climatic environment and the natural characteristics of the land. In any case, for high-quality uniform irrigation of the cultivated crop, it is better to use a drip irrigation system.
It is recommended to enrich the soil with useful mineral fertilizers without nitrate nitrogen - in combination with organic additives.
Formation
Pinching of the central stem in Hector cucumbers is carried out at the request of the landowner. In this case, 4 - 5 lateral lower shoots and the top of the main process are removed - if its length is exceeded by 70 cm.
Hector is a hybrid cucumber cultivar with a female flowering type. Therefore, you can not resort to the formation of the plant, but simply place it on the trellis net.
Protection against diseases and pests
Hector is rarely exposed to various viruses and other cucumber diseases. Most often, it becomes infected with ash. If appropriate measures are not taken in a timely manner to eliminate the fungus, the plant may completely die.
To protect against damage to crops by pests, certain preventive measures are taken:
- control over the implementation of favorable conditions for growing;
- timely irrigation of the soil in the optimal amount;
- providing a protective cover on days with adverse weather conditions;
- the implementation of soil moistening with cold water.
In case of a viral or fungal infection that has already occurred, the plant should be sprayed with the fruits with special agents such as Fundazol, Topaz, Skor. For the same purposes, a solution of soda or laundry soap is used in a proportion of 5 g of the product per 1 liter of water or milk whey diluted with water 1: 3.
Yield
Cucumbers Hector F1 have good reviews, in the photo you can see the external characteristics of the variety. About 4 kg of ripe fruits are obtained from a 1 m² garden bed, used as a raw vitamin element, as well as a tasty canned product.
Harvesting of cucumbers is carried out 1 time, for 2 - 3 days, in order to avoid thickening of the vegetable skin and deterioration of its taste. The length of Hector's fruits can vary in the range of 7 - 11 cm.
Conclusion
Having considered the description and reviews about the Hector F1 cucumber, many gardeners will have a desire to try to grow it on their own. It should be borne in mind that the appearance and taste of the culture are due to the fertility of the soil, a well-chosen place for planting, good timely care, and the impact of weather conditions.
Considering that Hector cucumbers are early ripening varieties capable of producing a rich tasty harvest, resistant to viral and fungal infections, they are a fairly popular product that is used both raw and canned.
