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Among the large assortment of cucumber seeds in the markets, you can see planting material from Korean manufacturers. How do these crops differ from those grown in our regions, and is it worth buying such cucumber seeds if you live in Central Our Country 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 hybrids are resistant to both unexpected warming and cold snaps.
According to gardeners who have already used these seeds for planting in greenhouses and open ground, Korean selection cucumbers are resistant to viral and fungal diseases. In addition, due 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 have a thin layer of wax applied to them. This is another feature of the Korean selection. Such protection protects the cucumber from the invasion of aphids and mites.
resistance to common diseases
If you are going to grow cucumbers for the first time, or appear in 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, peronosporosis or root rot, without appropriate treatment, quickly destroys first the root and stem of the cucumber, and then the fruits of the plant.
But while fungal diseases can be prevented or cured with fungicides, only aphid and spider mite resistance can deal with viruses that infect a crop. In order for the cucumber not to be attacked by insects, it is repeatedly fertilized with chemicals, often without caring about the ecological cleanliness of the crop.
Seeds of Korean selection have amazing resistance to pests. As you know, such a disease as an anthracnose pathogen affects those plants that are grown from seeds collected from infected plants. Korean breeders make every effort to select the best varieties for crossing and breeding.
The main features of the growth of Korean cucumbers
Asian breeders, when breeding new varieties of cucumbers, make sure 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 you can get the best hybrids for growing in greenhouses and in open field conditions.
Nong Woo was recognized as the best producer of seeds of Korean selection in the agricultural markets of Our Country.
Here are just a few varieties of hybrids that have already received well-deserved recognition from domestic farmers:
- For growing in greenhouses, greenhouses and open ground 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-ripening, cold-resistant varieties and mid-season hybrids that feel great in a warm growing environment. To date, the repository of Korean selection has more than 250 thousand copies of genetic material and 8 thousand varieties and hybrids that are already prepared for cultivation in open ground conditions.
Best Korean Outdoor Cucumber Seeds
Avella F1 (Avalanche F1)
Parthenocrapic variety of cucumbers from the manufacturer Nong Woo. Has a high growth rate. The fruits ripen as early as 35-40 days after the transfer of seedlings to open ground conditions.
hybrid resistant to cold snaps, not susceptible to diseases of powdery mildew and downy mildew. This is an early hybrid of the gherkin type. Fruits with dense dark green skin and medium white tubercles. The average size of the fruit during the period of full ripening is 8-10 cm. On the 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. The fruits reach a size of 8-10 cm, in diameter – 2,5-3 cm. The average weight of one cucumber is 60-80 gr. The skin of the fruit is dark green with small white bumps.
Aristocrat F1
Parthenocrapic hybrid adapted to growing in open ground and greenhouses. Seeds for seedlings are hardened and disinfected. Refers to early ripening varieties. The period of full maturation is 35-40 days. A feature of the variety is that up to 3-4 inflorescences can be concentrated in one node. The fruits are small in size – up to 10-12 cm, do not exceed 4,5 cm in diameter. The 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 on the soil. Cucumbers are ideal for canning and pickling.
Baronet F1
One of the Korean hybrids that took part and won the competition for the Spring 2018 Best Seed Review. The variety is universal, the plant is resistant to fungal infections and changing climatic conditions. Well adapted to early transplanting into the ground, high humidity. The fruits are smooth, large-bumpy with a dense dark green skin. The average size of a cucumber is 9-10 cm, diameter is 2-4 cm. It proved to be excellent during conservation, completely preserving all taste qualities.
Salim F1
Mid-season, insect-pollinated, long-fruited hybrid intended for outdoor cultivation. The main feature of the variety is a “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 able to give seedlings at low temperatures, and are perfectly adapted for planting in open ground conditions. In Korea, this cucumber is widely used to prepare Korean salads, and is supplied to national cuisine restaurants from early spring to early autumn.
Officer F1
An early maturing 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). The fruits reach a size of 12-14 cm, with a diameter of 3-3,5 cm. The growing season lasts from mid-May to late August.
Arctic F1 (Arena F1)
Mid-season parthenocratic hybrid, well adapted for cultivation in Central Our Country. The period of full maturation is 35-40 days. The fruits have an even cylindrical shape, the skin is painted in a light green color. Since the Arctic belongs to the varieties of the gherkin species, cucumbers do not grow more than 8-10 cm, with a diameter of 2,5-3 cm. The hybrid is great for marinades and pickles.
Seeds of Korean selection are hybrids that have been tested and 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 Our Country.
Conclusion
When choosing seeds for planting from manufacturers from Korea, be sure to pay attention to the instructions on the package. Pay attention to the timing of sowing planting material and transferring seedlings to open ground. Remember that all Korean hybrids are pre-treated, and many varieties of seeds do not need disinfection and hardening.
Here is a short video about the seeds of the famous Korean hybrid Baronet F1