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No one will argue that the cucumber is the most common vegetable crop, which is grown both in large enterprises and in small summer cottages. This vegetable is good for the body, contains vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers are well suited for fresh consumption, for salads, as well as preservation. They grow and mature quickly. Therefore, many gardeners prefer to grow cucumbers on their site.
Cucumber came to us from tropical countries, so it loves sunny weather, and grows well in warm regions of the country. One of the worthy representatives of cucumbers is the Competitor variety. It was bred in 1980 in the Crimea for cultivation in the southern part of Our Country. Over time, it took root in less warm regions.
So, let’s consider what is the special variety of cucumbers “Competitor”. And also learn how to grow it, and properly care for it. We will learn how to protect the cucumber crop from pests and diseases.
Description of the variety of cucumbers “Competitor”
“Competitor” refers to early ripening varieties of cucumbers. Only 45-50 days pass from planting seeds in the ground to the beginning of fruit ripening. Sowing seeds begins in the last days of May or the first week of June. You should not rush into planting, because the cucumber is a heat-loving plant. The growth of the root system of cucumbers exceeds the growth of the ground part by 3 times. But after fifty days of growth, roots and shoots are equal in size. Further, it is the ground part that grows more actively, and the root system grows to the desired size and stops growth. The stalk of cucumbers grows rapidly, and forms tendrils, which can easily cling to any support. Cucumbers “Competitor” have heart-shaped leaves.
Cucumber begins to bloom a short time after germination. The reproductive organs are divided into male and female. Male organs are incapable of forming ovaries. The corolla is yellow in color. In the southern regions, the flowers open very early, at about 4 o’clock in the morning, and in the northern regions – only from 6 o’clock. Pollen is only viable for a couple of hours after opening. Cucumbers are pollinated by bees. After 12-13 days, the inflorescences will fall off and cucumbers will begin to form. With proper care and suitable weather conditions, the first fruits of cucumbers will ripen within 45 days after seed germination.
Cucumber variety “Competitor” has a fairly high yield. You can collect from 3 to 4 kilograms of fruit per 1 m2. These indicators depend on the duration of the fruiting period. Cucumbers can bear fruit for about ninety days. It all depends on weather conditions and sudden changes in temperature. Because of such moments, the yield and the timing of the formation of fruits fall.
Characteristics of fruits
Cucumbers are cucurbits. So, they are a false berry. Inside the fruit are compartments with seeds (chambers). Cylindrical cucumbers, oval. “Competitor” is dark green. The fruit is large, its surface is completely covered with tubercles with soft spines. The length of a fully ripe cucumber can reach up to 13 centimeters in length. The weight of one fruit will be about 130 g. The fruit stem of the “Competitor” is long, so it is very convenient to pick cucumbers.
Cucumbers of the “Competitor” variety have excellent taste qualities. The fruits are not bitter when fresh, so they are great for summer salads. The pulp of cucumbers is juicy, has a sweetish aftertaste. Suitable for preservation alone, and in combination with other vegetables. The fruits keep well in a cool place. Reviews about cucumbers “Competitor” are only positive. Gardeners are satisfied with the yield and taste of this variety.
Planting and growing cucumbers “Competitor”
As always, planting begins with seed preparation. They need to be calibrated, or, in other words, to separate small and non-viable seeds. To do this, they are dipped in a salt solution. To prepare it, you need to mix:
- 30 grams of salt;
- 1 liter of water.
Stir until the salt crystals are completely dissolved. We lower the cucumber seeds into a container with a solution for ten minutes, and wait until the seeds separate themselves. Unsuitable seeds should float to the surface, which must be carefully collected with a spoon. Those seeds that remain at the bottom are great for planting in the ground. Now they need to be washed and disinfected. This is done with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or boric acid. Seeds are dipped into the solution and incubated for about 24 hours.
The longer the cucumber seeds stand, the more flowers with female reproductive organs will be on the plants. Up to 6 years of storage, cucumber seeds perfectly retain their properties and are suitable for cultivation.
In principle, the seeds are already ready for planting. If you are not going to additionally germinate the seeds, then after this stage they can be dried and planted. But you can grow the seeds before planting, and then the germination of cucumbers will be one hundred percent, because you can plant only those seeds that will germinate in the ground. Calibration is considered an effective method of seed selection, but it cannot always determine the quality of seeds with the highest accuracy.
Cucumbers “Competitor” can be grown both in open ground and in greenhouses. It all depends on the weather conditions in your area. For the middle lane, it is advised to plant cucumber seeds under temporary film shelters. Cucumbers sprout well at temperatures from +20 ° C to 25 ° C. They also need moderate soil moisture. The soil should not be too wet or too dry. Under these conditions, the first shoots will appear in 4-5 days. Seedlings do not need to be warmed up. Too high a temperature can slow down the growth rate of cucumbers, and prolonged heat will completely destroy the sprouts. Therefore, if the air temperature reaches more than +35 ° C, then the cucumbers should be shaded.
It is advised to plant seeds at a distance of forty centimeters from each other, and forty centimeters between rows of cucumbers. It is best to grow cucumbers in beds that previously grew tomatoes, potatoes and onions.
Caring for cucumber varieties “Competitor”
The variety is unpretentious, and also has a high disease resistance. It is not affected by bacterial spot and powdery mildew. Thanks to this, a high yield is guaranteed.
Although the plant can grow and bear fruit on the ground, it would be better to install special poles or build other structures so that the cucumber branches can grow evenly without getting tangled up. Recently, vertical supports to which stems are tied are very popular.
In short, the Competitor cucumbers need the following care:
- Regular soil moisture.
- Removing weeds from the garden.
- Top dressing with mineral or organic fertilizers.
- Soil loosening.
Insufficient moisture in the soil can greatly slow down the growth of the plant, and as a result, lower yields. And since cucumbers do not extract moisture from the ground on their own, they should be watered regularly, especially in hot weather. Due to the lack of liquid, cucumbers may develop a bitter cucumber taste, especially near the stalk. The same thing happens when the air temperature is too high.
Also, for the “Competitor” variety, oxygen is very important. For its full supply, it is necessary to loosen the upper ball of soil from time to time so that a crust does not form. Ordinary manure is perfect for feeding cucumbers. This organic fertilizer helps the plant convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.
No more than 10-15 cucumbers can be placed on the stem, all the rest must be picked. So, the fruits will grow better. Make sure to pluck cucumbers from the branches in time, otherwise they will turn yellow, and the seeds will begin to ripen and become hard.
Pests and diseases
To prevent possible fungal and viral diseases, cucumbers are treated with special preparations that contain copper. For example, Bordeaux liquid or copper oxychloride. This procedure must be carried out as soon as up to 2-3 leaves appear on the cucumber sprouts. These drugs are also used for manifestations of diseases of cucumbers.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the “Competitor” variety is not in vain so popular among gardeners. It belongs to unpretentious and disease-resistant plants. Planting and caring for this variety of cucumbers will not be difficult even for inexperienced gardeners. You were able to see a photo of the “Competitor” cucumber, and evaluate its appearance, for which this variety is valued. Cucumbers grow small and even. They are very convenient to use for conservation. And to appreciate the taste of the “Competitor” variety, you should try to grow it in your garden.
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