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In recent years, the trend in the cucumber seed market has been developing in such a way that varietal cucumbers familiar to everyone are being replaced by hybrids and self-pollinating plants, but the crown of work of breeders has appeared – these are parthenocarpic cucumbers. Their seeds have firmly occupied 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 an ordinary and parthenocarpic hybrid. And this difference is fundamental, parthenocarpic cucumbers are the best hybrids to date, they, unlike ordinary ones, do not need pollination, 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 there is no access to insects.
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 the 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, they have other better properties:
- High fruiting, combined with powerful growth;
- Artificially removed bitterness from fruits at the gene level;
- Long and continuous period of fruiting;
- High resistance to temperature extremes and other adverse weather conditions;
- Resistance to most diseases characteristic of cucumbers.
Unfortunately, the need for the best parthenocarpic cucumbers is also growing due to a decrease in the population of bees and bumblebees.
Common ways to plant seeds of parthenocarpic varieties
It is possible that the peculiarity of growing parthenocarpic cucumbers exclusively in rooms isolated from pollinators (greenhouses, greenhouses or apartments) will be considered by many as a disadvantage, ruining their crop by planting seeds on open ground. And they will be partly right, because in this case, parthenocarpic cucumbers deteriorate and grow crooked. Given this feature, the seeds should be planted indoors in a period suitable for a particular variety. There are varieties divided by planting periods:
- Winter-spring;
- Spring-summer;
- Summer-autumn.
Accordingly, having planted seeds in the spring, the crop can be harvested in the summer, and so on.
Most parthenocarpic cucumbers are not suitable for pickling, but if you carefully look for the right seeds, you can also choose suitable varieties for conservation, many of which will be listed below.
Types of common and rare varieties of parthenocarpic cucumbers
Chinese miracle
The seeds of this plant have recently appeared on domestic markets. The name hints at the length of the vegetable. It sometimes reaches 45 cm, these parthenocarpic cucumbers are suitable for preservation if you find a suitable container for them. Another positive feature is the long storage period, even after cutting them into pieces. As with all varieties of this family, the Chinese miracle has no bitterness, and they tolerate long-term transportation well. No weakness was observed for common diseases.
Fun company F1
Parthenocarpic hybrid, its greens have a rounded shape and reach a length of 8-13 cm. High taste characteristics allow it to be consumed raw, there is no bitterness. The vegetable retains color for a long time without being yellowed. 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 – Robust F1
The seeds of this plant can be planted a few weeks earlier than the rest. These parthenocarpic cucumbers were specially bred to offset the negative effect of temperature changes, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to gain time for an early harvest, the period of ripening of greens 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 of their family for conservation.
F1 White Angel
One of the most recognizable varieties of parthenocarpic varieties. The characteristic white color of the peel will change over time to light green – the color of a ripened vegetable. But even 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 appear indoors. The White Angel reveals its best taste qualities when consumed fresh.
Although F1
Seeds planted in the open field begin to bring the first ovaries for 48-54 days. A ripened 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 resistance to olive blotch and BOM-1 (cucumber mosaic virus), and 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 late-ripening. Having planted its seeds, the first greens will start on 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 for planting on the windowsill, with its small area. The variety showed the best performance only in resistance to the disease – powdery mildew, you will have to fight the rest, providing the bush with good conditions.
Heroic strength
An early maturing hybrid, it produces the first ovaries 46-50 days after you plant the seeds. Adult Zelenets 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 – PTO-1, olive blotch, tolerantly tolerates downy and ordinary powdery mildew. From one square meter, the variety brings up to 12 kg of salad fruits.
Agnes F1
The fruits obtained from planting the 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-ripening 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 varieties listed, you did not find 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 food, many of them can even take root on your balcony or windowsill.
