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Cucumbers are those vegetables whose freshness can be enjoyed all season (from April to October). Such “longevity” is given to vegetables by different varieties, which are divided according to the degree of ripening of the fruit. There are early cucumbers, mid-season and late. At the same time, mid-season varieties occupy the largest niche, they are used more often than others, and there are a number of reasons for this. All the features and characteristics of mid-ripening cucumbers will be discussed in this article.
Definition of mid-season varieties
The main distinguishing feature of mid-ripening varieties of cucumber is the fruit ripening period, equal to 45-55 days.
This means that the cucumber begins to bear fruit 45-55 days after the seeds are planted in the ground.
However, this period is very conditional, the rate of ripening of cucumbers depends on many factors, the main of which are:
- seed quality;
- type of soil;
- greenhouse conditions or planting in an open area;
- timely watering;
- the temperature of the earth and air during the day and at night;
- absence of bush diseases;
- climate zone in which the region is located.
All these factors together affect the rate of ripening of the first cucumbers, as well as the yield of vegetables.
Classification of types of cucumber
All varieties and hybrids of cucumbers are divided into several categories. After dividing into species according to the speed of maturation, it is necessary to consider the general classification of varieties. So, like everyone else, mid-ripening cucumbers are divided by:
- Pollination type. There are bee-pollinated varieties, parthenocarpic and self-pollinated.
- According to the method of cultivation: greenhouse and soil.
- According to the purpose of the fruit: for fresh consumption, for conservation and universal varieties suitable for salad and pickling.
Selection of the best mid-season varieties
Before buying seeds, it is necessary to clearly determine what cucumbers are for, where they will be planted, and by whom they will be pollinated.
Experienced gardeners argue that preference should be given to self-pollinated mid-season varieties for the greenhouse, and bee-pollinated varieties for open ground.
Another important feature of mid-season varieties is their poor resistance to temperature extremes. Unlike early cucumbers, which are planted in barely warm ground, seeds of medium varieties are sown in late May – early Junewhen the temperature of the soil and air returns to normal, and the likelihood of frost is minimized.
Therefore, breeders paid more attention to the disease resistance of medium cucumbers than to their hardening. But the diseases characteristic of cucumbers are not terrible for mid-season varieties, the seeds are processed from the most common “cucumber ailments”.
“Vyaznikovsky 38”
Cucumbers of this variety grow small – 7-9 cm, but round and weighty – up to 130 grams.
One of the bee-pollinated mid-season varieties intended for cultivation in open ground is Vyaznikovsky 38. The fruits grow on the 40-57th day after planting the seeds (depending on the region). Seeds are hardened from major diseases and from low temperatures.
With artificial manual pollination, the variety can also be grown in a greenhouse, greenhouse conditions increase the yield of cucumbers. The bushes are small with short lashes, which improves the ventilation of the stems and prevents them from rotting.
Cucumbers are light green with small tubercles. They are equally tasty both fresh and in a jar.
“Competitor”
One of the most resistant and “life-loving” varieties. Cucumber is characterized by strong growth, strong stems can withstand any shocks.
The first greens are ready for harvest on the 50th day after the shoots appear. Variety “Competitor” is great for mass cultivation of cucumbers in the field or garden.
Zelentsy have a dense peel with large pimples and black spikes, they do not have bitterness, therefore they are used both in salads and for pickling.
“April F1”
The bushes are distinguished by a large number of ovaries, the first batch of picked cucumbers is a large part of the entire crop. You need to collect greens every other day, they are not prone to yellowing and overripe.
Representative of mid-season parthenocarpics, this hybrid does not need bees. It can be grown in a greenhouse, and on a balcony, and in open ground. The largest yields can be obtained in greenhouse conditions.
The fruits are large, dark green in color and cylindrical regular shape. There are also pimples, and the length of the cucumber reaches 25 cm. Excellent taste qualities make it possible to classify the hybrid as salad, but if necessary, April F1 cucumbers can also be preserved for the winter.
“Nezhinskiy”
Nezhinsky cucumber bushes are very powerful, withstand low temperatures and are resistant to diseases. Suitable for greenhouse cultivation and open ground.
One of the very first varieties. Belongs to bee-pollinated, has a long period of fruiting and high yields.
The fruits of this variety of cucumbers are one of the best for canning. Cucumbers of medium size and blue-green color, with large spikes and tubercles.
“Libella F1”
The hybrid is suitable for long-term fruiting, with proper care, fresh cucumbers will appear all season.
Hybrid “Libella” is used for planting in greenhouses and hotbeds. Zelentsy will sing on the 47-53rd day. Cucumbers have an elliptical shape, small size and white fluff on the peel. The length of the greens reaches 14 cm, and the weight is 140 grams.
The taste of cucumbers is excellent, without bitterness, juicy and fragrant. They can be preserved and cut into salads; when pickled, cucumbers do not lose their elasticity and remain crispy.
“Merry Company F1”
A distinctive feature of the Merry Company F1 variety is a large percentage of gherkins. This fact will definitely please lovers of small pickles.
The hybrid is suitable for cultivation in an open ground and under a film. Cucumbers grow small, have a regular cylindrical shape and a bright green hue.
“Table”
The strengths of cucumber are high yield and taste.
The name of the variety “Table” speaks for itself – these cucumbers are great for preservation for the winter. You can grow seeds both on open ground and in film greenhouses and greenhouses.
Greens are small, cylindrical in shape. Cucumbers are distinguished by a slight wax coating on the peel and a glossy sheen. Light streaks appear on the green skin.
“Mother-in-law F1”
A hybrid with an interesting name also belongs to mid-season varieties. The vegetable develops well in garden plots and in closed greenhouses.
Cucumbers grow small – 7-9 cm, have a beautiful, regular shape, a dark green hue and a dense peel decorated with spikes.
The yield of hybrid cucumbers is high, the flesh and peel do not have bitterness. Mother-in-law F1 cucumbers are equally good for salads and for preservation.
Tips from seasoned gardeners
Experienced farmers recommend not to fall for beautiful packaging and not to purchase seeds from an unknown manufacturer. After all, the yield depends on the quality of the seed material to a greater extent.
Another subtlety – in regions with late summer, it is better to do without early varieties for open ground at all, they can only be planted in greenhouses. So that frosts do not destroy the ovary, it is better to plant mid-season varieties – let the first cucumbers appear a week or two later, but the harvest will be plentiful and the fruiting will be long.
