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Among the large assortment of cucumber seeds in the markets, you can see planting material from Korean producers. How do these crops differ from those grown in our regions, and is it worth buying such cucumber seeds if you live in Central Russia or Western Siberia?
Benefits of planting Korean seeds
Korea is a country that belongs to three climatic zones: warm, temperate and cold. That is why Korean breeders have made every effort to ensure that the hybrids are resistant to both sudden warming and sudden cold snaps.
According to gardeners who have already used these seeds for planting in greenhouses and open ground, Korean cucumbers are resistant to viral and fungal diseases. In addition, thanks to its dense and thick skin, the fruits resist the invasion of pests.
When growing cucumbers, many farmers pay attention to the leaves of plants grown from seeds from Korean producers - they seem to be covered with a thin layer of wax. This is another feature of Korean breeding. This protection protects the cucumber from the invasion of aphids and ticks.
Resistance to common diseases
If you are going to grow cucumbers for the first time, or come to summer cottages only on weekends, Korean cucumber seeds are what you need.
How often does it happen that due to inexperience or ignorance, you do not have time to feed or fertilize the plant in time, preventing the development of fungal diseases? Powdery mildew, downy mildew or root rot, without appropriate treatment, quickly destroy first the root and stem of the cucumber, and then the fruits of the plant.
But if fungal diseases can be prevented or cured with fungicides, viruses that infect crops can only be dealt with by resistance to aphids and spider mites. In order to prevent a cucumber from being invaded by insects, it is repeatedly fertilized with chemicals, often without worrying about the ecological purity of the crop.
Seeds of Korean selection have amazing resistance to pests. As you know, plants grown from seeds collected from infected plants suffer from diseases such as the anthracnose pathogen. Korean breeders are making every effort to select the best varieties for crossing and breeding.
The main features of the growth of Korean cucumbers
When breeders of Asia, when breeding new varieties of cucumbers, take care that the seedlings, and then the plant itself, turn out to be strong, protected from bad weather and pests and resistant to common diseases.
To do this, they turn their attention to healthy, fast-growing and adapted varieties from which the best hybrids for greenhouse and outdoor cultivation can be obtained.
Nong Woo was recognized as the best producer of Korean seeds in the agricultural markets of Russia.
Here are just a few varieties of hybrids that have already received well-deserved recognition from domestic farmers:
- For cultivation in greenhouses, greenhouses and open field conditions - Avella F1, Advance F1;
- For open ground - Baronet F1, Aristocrat F1.
The climatic conditions of Korea allow local farmers to choose for planting both early-maturing, cold-resistant varieties, and mid-season hybrids that feel great in a warm growth environment. To date, the repository of Korean selection contains more than 250 thousand copies of genetic material and 8 thousand varieties and hybrids already prepared for cultivation in open ground.
The best Korean outdoor cucumber seeds
Avella F1 (Avalange F1)
Parthenocrapic cucumber variety from the producer Nong Woo. Has a high growth rate. The fruits ripen already 35-40 days after transferring the seedlings to open field conditions.
ibrid is resistant to cold snaps, not susceptible to diseases of powdery mildew and downy mildew. It is an early hybrid of the gherkin type. Fruits with dense dark green skin and medium white tubercles. The average fruit size during full ripening is 8-10 cm. On the Russian market, seeds are sold in packs of 50 and 100 pcs.
Advance F1 (Avensis F1)
An early variety of hybrids, with a ripening period of 40 days. The plant is considered versatile and is well suited for both fresh use and canning. Fruits reach 8-10 cm in size, 2.5-3 cm in diameter. The average weight of one cucumber is 60-80 gr. The skin of the fruit is dark green with small white tubercles.
Aristocrat F1
Parthenocrapic hybrid adapted for growing in open ground and greenhouses. Seeds for seedlings are hardened and disinfected. Refers to early maturing varieties. Full ripening period is 35-40 days. A feature of the variety is that up to 3-4 inflorescences can be concentrated in one node. Fruits are small in size - up to 10-12 cm, and do not exceed 4.5 cm in diameter. Fruits have an even cylindrical shape, the skin is dark green, dense. The hybrid is resistant to sudden changes in temperature in the air and soil. Cucumbers are ideal for preserving and pickling.
Baronet F1
One of the Korean hybrids that took part and won the competition when reviewing the best seeds of spring 2018. The variety is universal, the plant is resistant to fungal infections and changing climatic conditions. Well adapted to early transplantation, high air humidity. Fruits are even, large-knobby with dense dark green skin. The average size of a cucumber is 9-10 cm, diameter is 2-4 cm. It showed itself excellently when preserved, completely retaining all its taste.
Salim F1
A mid-season insect pollinated long-fruited hybrid intended for cultivation in the open field. The main feature of the variety is its “friendly” high yield. Fruits in the period of full ripening can reach a length of 20-22 cm, with a diameter of up to 5 cm. Seeds are capable of sprouting at low temperatures, and are perfectly adapted for planting in open ground conditions. In Korea, this cucumber is widely used for making Korean salads, and is supplied to national cuisine restaurants from early spring to early autumn.
Afsar F1
An early ripe parthenocrapic hybrid with a high yield. The full period of fruit ripening is 35-40 days. The main features of the plant are resistance to cold snaps and strong winds when grown outdoors (cucumber has a powerful and dense stem). Fruits reach 12-14 cm in size, with a diameter of 3-3.5 cm. The growing season lasts from mid-May to late August.
Arctic F1 (Arena F1)
Mid-season parthenocrapic hybrid, well adapted for cultivation in Central Russia. Full ripening period is 35-40 days. Fruits have an even cylindrical shape, the skin is colored light green. Since the Arctic belongs to the varieties of the gherkin type, cucumbers do not grow more than 8-10 cm, with a diameter of 2.5-3 cm. The hybrid is great for pickles and pickles.
Seeds of Korean selection are hybrids that have passed tests and are listed in the State Register of Plant Varieties.In addition, all planting material is certified as acclimatized to the climatic conditions of almost every region of Russia.
Conclusion
When choosing seeds for planting from manufacturers from Korea, be sure to pay attention to the instructions on the package. Be attentive to the timing of sowing planting material and transferring seedlings to open ground. Remember that all Korean hybrids are pretreated and many seed varieties do not need to be disinfected or hardened.
Here is a short video about the seeds of the famous Korean hybrid Baronet F1
Please tell me where in Russia to buy seeds of Korean cucumbers