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Planting cucumbers in greenhouses allows you to harvest faster, as well as have fresh vegetables at any time of the year. The plant adapts well to the greenhouse microclimate, stably bears fruit and gives early harvests. Self-pollinating varieties are considered the best for greenhouses, however, it must be remembered that it will not be possible to collect seeds from them on their own. In this article, we will consider how cucumber seeds are classified and which varieties of hybrids for greenhouses are chosen.
Seed classification
All cucumber seeds are divided into two types:
- Hybrids are bred by breeders by crossing different varieties. The result is a culture with the best qualities grafted, for example, disease resistance, productivity, endurance, etc. If you put a varietal cucumber next to a hybrid, then the latter can be distinguished by its harmoniously developed form. The main advantage of hybrids is that they are high-yielding plus self-pollinated. In the process of pollination, they do without the participation of bees. The disadvantage is the inability to independently collect seeds. This is due to the fact that the hybrid cannot pass on to offspring the best characteristics acquired in the selection process.
- Varietal seeds continue to be in demand among gardeners. This is primarily due to the desire to grow seedlings of cucumbers from homemade seeds collected with their own hands. The disadvantage is the mandatory presence of insects that pollinate flowers.
Seeds of varietal cucumbers and hybrids are suitable for a greenhouse, but under the same care conditions, the former will still give a smaller yield.
Overview of Popular Hybrid Seeds
It is impossible to determine 100% the best or worst seeds of hybrids. Much depends on the climatic conditions of the region, the composition of the soil, proper care, etc. Some gardeners like early varieties, while others do not care if only they were high-yielding. A beginner with this question can contact the sellers of specialized stores. They often listen to the demand of experienced gardeners and try to put on the shelves exactly the most popular and best seeds, since their profit depends on it. Those gardeners who do not have good consultants at their place of residence are offered a brief introduction to the varieties of hybrids.
This video shows the casting of the best varieties for greenhouses:
Separation of seeds by purpose
To choose the best self-pollinating varieties for yourself, let’s look at how the seeds are separated for their intended purpose. Although, if we approach the issue more precisely, it is clear that the seeds are intended for planting in the ground. But the vegetable grown from them can be used for different purposes:
- salad varieties suitable for fresh consumption and are sold. You can cook different dishes with them, but you won’t be able to pickle or pickle. Cucumbers have a dense skin and ripen earlier than other varieties suitable for conservation. On a pack of such seeds there is a mark “F1”, indicating that the lettuce variety belongs to hybrids.
- Varieties of cucumbers intended for canning, are distinguished by a sweetish aftertaste of the fruit. They are better used for their intended purpose. On the packaging of seeds, in addition to the marking of belonging to hybrids, the possibility of long-term storage and canning of cucumbers should be indicated. Conscientious producers also indicate which greenhouse regions the seed material is intended for.
- Universal self-pollinating varieties are considered the most profitable for greenhouses. Such cucumbers are suitable for conservation, raw consumption, are well sold, etc. Hybrids are well suited for a greenhouse located in a harsh climatic zone.
According to these features, many amateur gardeners choose the necessary varieties for greenhouses.
Separation of seeds according to the time of fruit ripening
All varieties of self-pollinating cucumbers are divided according to the time of fruit ripening. For the northern regions, it is better to choose early or medium self-pollinating hybrids so that they have time to give a good harvest before the onset of severe frosts. In warm regions, medium and late varieties can be planted.
Choosing the best self-pollinating hybrids for greenhouses
Each gardener individually selects varieties of cucumbers for his greenhouse and considers them the best. Beginners can get acquainted with the popularity rating of self-pollinated hybrids, created on the basis of many years of experience of specialists.
The best early hybrids
Early varieties allow you to get a ready harvest in a maximum of 45 days, although the fruits of some hybrids can be harvested on the thirtieth day after planting.
“Gerda”
The variety belongs to mid-season hybrids, suitable for planting in open and closed ground. Ripening of the first fruits occurs on the fortieth day. The small length of the cucumber up to 10 cm determines it to the type of gherkins. The vegetable goes well in salting and for cooking.
“Friendly family”
An early hybrid gives a friendly ripening of fruits, which determines its name. Subject to the conditions of care, the first crop from the bush can be removed 45 days after planting. The plant bears fruit well in open and closed ground and is resistant to many diseases. Picked cucumbers are not stored for a long time, but are great for conservation.
“Courage”
A self-pollinating hybrid is capable of producing large yields, which is beneficial for commercial purposes. The plant is not afraid of temperature changes, it grows well in a greenhouse in autumn and winter, only the taste of grown fruits in different periods is slightly different. The vegetable is suitable for canning and cooking.
“Cuckoo”
An early cucumber is good to eat immediately after harvest. It is impossible to preserve a vegetable, but it will be stored in the basement for a long time. The fruit is distinguished by its length up to 25 cm. The plant is undemanding to care and, with timely fertilization of the soil, can produce about 30 kg of crop from a bush in 45 days.
The Best General Purpose Seeds
This type of seed is best for beginner gardeners. They can be planted both indoors and outdoors. A big plus of universal hybrids is self-pollination, and the finished fruit is also suitable for preservation and salads.
“Spring”
An early variety ripens 40 days after planting. The small size of the fruit with prickly pimples determines the parthenocarpic hybrid to the gherkin species. A dense crispy vegetable with a sweet aftertaste is great for marinating and cooking various dishes. One bush per season gives a maximum of 15 kg of fruit.
“German”
Universal self-pollinating variety for greenhouses and open beds. The hybrid was bred by European breeders and, compared with its fellow “Spring”, gives a greater yield. The plant rarely succumbs to disease. The fruit grows up to 12 cm long. Good for salads and preservation.
“Emelya”
Another popular versatile hybrid suitable for growing in any beds. However, the optimal conditions for a self-pollinating cucumber are still the greenhouse microclimate. This allows you to get the first harvest at the beginning of summer. Fruiting occurs 30 days after planting.
On the video you can see different varieties of self-pollinated cucumbers:
Conclusion
Any of the selected varieties, with proper care, will surely please the owner, and only practice will help to choose which one is better.