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In recent years, the trend in the cucumber seed market is developing in such a way that the varietal varieties familiar to everyone cucumbers are supplanted by hybrids and self-pollinating plants, but the crown of the work of breeders has appeared - this is parthenocarpic cucumbers... Their seeds have firmly taken their niche and continue to expand it. Not all summer residents and gardeners are still familiar with the results of planting seeds of this variety, and many do not see much difference between a regular and parthenocarpic hybrid. And this difference is fundamental, parthenocarpic cucumbers are the best hybrids to date, they, unlike ordinary ones, do not need pollination, the fruits are formed without it. Whereas in the process of growing self-pollinated varieties, pollination takes place. The purpose of the withdrawal of these hybrids is considered to be the purpose for growing in greenhouse conditions, where insects do not have access.
In the context of any parthenocarpic cucumber, one can see the absence of seeds, although there are varieties in which the fruits have thickenings in places of their usual concentration.
Properties of parthenocarpic varieties
The advantages that parthenocarpic cucumbers have are not only the absence of a pollination process, in addition to this, they have other better properties:
- High fruiting combined with strong growth;
- The bitterness is artificially removed from the fruit at the genetic level;
- Long and continuous fruiting period;
- High resistance to temperature extremes and other adverse weather conditions;
- Resistant to most common diseases in cucumbers.
Unfortunately, the demand for the best parthenocarpic cucumbers is also growing due to the decrease in the population of bees and bumblebees.
Common methods of planting seeds of parthenocarpic varieties
Perhaps, the peculiarity of growing parthenocarpic cucumbers exclusively in premises isolated from pollinators (greenhouses, greenhouses or apartments) will be considered by many as a disadvantage, spoiling their harvest by planting seeds in open ground. And they will be partly right, because in this case, parthenocarpic cucumbers deteriorate and grow crooked. Given this feature, seeds should be planted indoors during a period suitable for a particular variety. There are varieties divided by planting periods:
- Winter-spring;
- Spring-summer;
- Summer and autumn.
Accordingly, having planted seeds in the spring, the harvest can be harvested in the summer, and so on.
Most parthenocarpic cucumbers are not suitable for pickling, but if you carefully look for the seeds you need, you can pick up suitable varieties for conservation, many of them will be given below.
Types of common and rare varieties of parthenocarpic cucumbers
Chinese miracle
The seeds of this plant have recently appeared on the domestic markets. The name contains a hint of the length of the vegetable. It sometimes reaches 45 cm, these parthenocarpic cucumbers are adapted for conservation if you find a suitable container for them. Another positive feature is the long storage period, even after cutting them into pieces. As in all varieties of this family, there is no bitterness in the Chinese miracle, and they tolerate long-term transportation well. No weakness was observed for common diseases.
Fun company F1
Parthenocarpic hybrid, its greenery has a rounded shape and reaches a length of 8-13 cm.Its high taste characteristics allow it to be consumed raw, there is no bitterness. The vegetable retains its color for a long time without undergoing yellowing. It has developed resistance to various types of common diseases. After the seeds are planted, the harvest can be expected for 43-48 days.
Baby - Strong F1
The seeds of this plant can be planted several weeks earlier than the rest. These parthenocarpic cucumbers were specially bred to neutralize the negative effect of temperature changes, but it is hardly possible to gain time for early harvesting, the ripening period for greenery after sowing with seeds is 54-60 days. The fruits themselves grow very small, these are gherkins no more than 8 cm long. Like all parthenocarpic varieties, they are devoid of bitterness. The inner space is all filled with pulp, there are no seeds and voids. The best gherkins from their family for conservation.
F1 White Angel
One of the most recognizable parthenocarpic varieties. The characteristic white color of the peel will change over time to light green - the color of a ripe vegetable. But in this case, it will differ significantly from other varieties. It is possible to plant seeds in open ground, subject to a late planting period. But the best growth rates are seen indoors. The White Angel reveals its best taste qualities when consumed fresh.
Makar F1
Seeds planted in the open field begin to produce the first ovaries at 48-54 days. The ripe vegetable reaches average parameters of 14-19 cm and 90 gr. weight. The surface is slightly covered with small tubercles and does not have thorns, the flesh is quite dense and crispy, up to 5 kg can be obtained from one bush. The variety has the best indicators of resistance to olive spot and VOM-1 (cucumber mosaic virus), it is also relatively protected from root rot.
Geisha
This is an exclusively salad hybrid, it has fruits 10-14 cm long, their weight is about 110 grams, this variety belongs to the late ripening. Having planted its seeds, the first greens will be tied up at 64-70 days, its yield is not very high, this is due to the weak growth of the bush in width, but this factor can be taken into account in order to plant on the windowsill, with its small area. The variety showed the best performance only in resistance to the disease - powdery mildew, with the rest you will have to fight, providing the bush with good conditions.
Heroic strength
An early ripening hybrid, it gives the first ovaries 46-50 days after you plant the seeds. An adult green leaf has a cylindrical shape, up to 13 cm long, in weight such fruits reach 125 grams. due to the dense pulp. The name implies high resistance to a number of common diseases - VOM-1, olive spot, it also tolerates downy mildew and common powdery mildew. From one square meter, the variety yields up to 12 kg of lettuce fruits.
Agnes F1
The fruits obtained from the planting of seeds of this variety are longitudinal and thin, with a total weight of up to 90 grams, and a length of about 12-17 cm. This hybrid belongs to mid-season varieties, its best properties are characterized by high resistance to all types of powdery mildew. From one square meter, you can collect up to 9 kg per season. There is no bitterness in the salad variety.
Conclusion
If among the listed varieties, you have not found a plant that will meet your requirements, then you should not be too upset, because you can always find a good analogue, with other brightly highlighted positive qualities. Especially if we take into account the fact that breeders are developing new varieties. In any case, these varieties of parthenocarpic cucumbers show all the variety of growing conditions and use for food, many of them are even able to take root on your balcony or windowsill.
