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We cannot imagine our summer diet without cucumbers, and those who have at least a small piece of the garden must plant a few bushes. In large vegetable gardens, whole plantations are occupied by cucumbers. Today we are offered hundreds of varieties, it is difficult to understand their diversity without outside help. We suggest that you definitely plant the Libella cucumber.
Libelle is a time-tested hybrid of German breeding. And although it was included in the state register back in 1976, the variety is still deservedly popular and bears excellent fruit in the North-West and Central regions.
Description of the variety
In order to understand the benefits of Libella cucumbers, we will give a description of the variety. This is a mid-season variety, from the appearance of the first shoots to the collection of fruits, it usually takes about 50 days. The Libelle hybrid is suitable for growing in the open field, under removable film covers and for greenhouses. If you have a small indoor greenhouse, it is better not to plant these cucumbers - they are pollinated by bees and the conditions of the closed ground usually do not allow amateur gardeners to get a good harvest. Of course, if you have bees, or there is an apiary nearby, feel free to plant the Libella variety and simply ventilate the greenhouse more often in sunny weather.
The shoots of Libella cucumbers are long, they can be put on a support. The cucumber itself in a marketable form reaches a size of 12-14 cm, weighs 100-150 g, the yield is from 5 to 10 kg per square. Zelentsy are covered with small tubercles with whitish thorns. The Libella variety reaches its highest yield by the end of summer, which is very convenient - the mass ripening of the fruits allows them to be processed quickly.
The undoubted advantages of Libella f1 cucumbers is their versatility, they are:
- Suitable for fresh consumption;
- Suitable for winter harvesting;
- They can be harvested both in the gherkin phase and in greens.
The disadvantages of the Libelle variety include:
- Rapid outgrowth;
- White spots that spoil the appearance;
- The presence of bitterness.
So bitterness is more of a positive characteristic. A light bitterness gives the taste of cucumbers a piquancy, and the benefits of using them are undeniable.
Libelle cucumbers are resistant to spotting and downy mildew, have excellent commercial qualities and are tasty.
Cucumber care
Caring for the Libella hybrid is not much different from caring for other varieties of cucumbers. They all love:
- Well-lit landing site;
- Fertile soil with a neutral reaction;
- Fertilizers with fresh manure;
- Abundant watering;
- Warm humid air.
They don't like any cucumbers:
- Transplants;
- Acidic soils;
- Dense soils;
- Watering with cold water;
- A sharp change in temperature;
- Drafts;
- Cold night temperature.
Seed preparation
In hybrids of Libella cucumbers, the predominantly female type of flowers is not necessary for them to preheat the seeds. If they are covered with a colored shell, they are planted in the ground without any additional procedures. If there is no shell, immediately before sowing, soak the seeds in hot water at a temperature of 53 degrees for 15-20 minutes. This will kill the pathogens of anthracnose and bacteriosis.
It is good to germinate the seeds of the Libelle hybrid before planting, soaking them for several days in Epin's solution (it increases germination, increases the resistance of cucumbers to diseases). Coated seeds do not germinate.
Landing rules
In colder climates, it is best to grow them horizontally in small greenhouses that can hold warm air at night. During the day they are opened, giving access to the sun, fresh air and bees.
For Libelle cucumbers, we choose a sunny, sheltered from the winds. If you have acidic soil, before planting, add lime or dolmitic flour at the rate of 1 liter of a can per 1 sq. m. In any case, add a few handfuls of well-rotted compost to each hole.
For insurance, three seeds of Libelle cucumbers are planted in each hole, placing them in the center of the hole, at a distance of several centimeters from each other. Planting depth is about 1.5-2 cm. There should be 3-4 plants per square meter.
Water the planting well with warm water and cover it with foil or lutrastil. We remove the shelter only for watering and airing. When the night temperature is stable above 12 degrees, the shelter can be removed completely.
Watering and feeding
Libelle cucumbers are very fond of moisture, but this does not mean that the soil needs to be turned into a swamp.
We water only with warm water and under the root. In cool weather, watering must be reduced - this will protect plantings from downy mildew and rot.
Libelle cucumbers are potassium lovers, but they take out few useful substances from the soil. If, when planting seeds, you introduced humus or other fertilizer for digging, give top dressing for the first time no earlier than two weeks after germination.
Mineral fertilizers alternate with organic fertilizers, feeding Libella cucumbers once a week after watering. Instead of mineral fertilizer, you can take ash, which is scattered on wet soil at the rate of 2 salt spoons per bush or special fertilizers for pumpkin seeds - they are sold in specialized stores. Fresh cow dung is insisted for 2 weeks, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.
Residents of regions with a warm climate will find it convenient to grow the Libelle variety on a trellis, tying them up as shown in the video.
Consumers give good reviews about the appearance and taste of Libella cucumbers. Look at the photo:
