Red Mullet cucumbers F1: description, reviews, photos, yield, cultivation

When growing cucumbers in greenhouses, it is important to choose the right variety. The good-quality hybrid Red Mullet F1 is recognized as productive, unpretentious and disease-resistant. It has many advantages, including high marketability, wonderful taste, and transportable qualities.

Description of red mullet cucumbers

Red mullet cucumbers are quite versatile; they are suitable for growing both in open ground and in greenhouses. The variety loves warmth and light, and suffers greatly in dark areas. It feels best under film and in greenhouse conditions.

Red mullet bushes are small, branch abundantly, the foliage is bright green. The cucumbers themselves are 11-12 cm in length, weigh from 100 to 110 g. The skin on them is dark green, with narrow, frequent white stripes and whitish spines. The pubescence is medium, the shape of the green is cylindrical. The average yield of the variety, according to the description, is 13-15 kg/m². Red mullet has a pleasant taste; it is suitable for canning and salads.

Features of the variety

The variety “Rabulka F1” does not require pollination by bees, has a predominantly female type of flowering, which is why it is suitable for cultivation both in open ground and in greenhouse conditions. The plant has strong branching, and up to 12 ovaries are formed in one leaf axil, most of which occur at the nodes of the central stem. The leaves have a characteristic green color and are medium in size. The total yield from one bush is up to 15 kg. The first fruits can be collected 43-38 days after the start of germination. Harvesting takes a long time – up to two months.

Zelentsy varieties "Rabulka F1" have a cylindrical shape with large tubercles. The fetal cervix is ​​practically absent. The skin is dark green, and the top of the fruit is lighter in color. Almost the entire area of ​​the fruit contains small white thorns. The length of a mature fruit is up to 12 cm. The weight of one cucumber is up to 150 grams.

What cucumbers of the Barabulka F1 variety look like

Mullet F1 cucumbers are an achievement of Russian breeders, specifically specialists who have long earned the trust of gardeners. The funny and atypical name for garden crops is due to the similarity of the fruits to fish, which have the same name. The hybrid has been listed in the Russian State Register since 2007; its cultivation is recommended throughout the European part of Russia (from the North to the Black Sea region and the Caucasus) in greenhouses and greenhouses. But practice has shown that the Red Mullet F1 cucumber is able to adapt to less than optimal weather conditions and produces a good harvest in regions with a more severe climate.

Red mullet F1 is a relatively new cucumber hybrid, quickly appreciated by Russian gardeners

The hybrid is parthenocarpic (self-pollinating). Weather has little effect on the process. The participation of bees and the help of a gardener for the formation of ovaries is also not needed. The latter is especially valuable when cultivated in a greenhouse.

The main problem for a gardener when growing cucumbers in a greenhouse is their pollination; when planting the hybrid Red Mullet F1, this question disappears by itself

Red mullet F1 is an early ripe cucumber. It takes 43 days for the first greens to ripen, counting from the moment the shoots appear. Mass fruiting begins after 48–50 days. During the season, an average of 14.8 kg/m² is collected; with quality care, the figures rise to 20 kg/m² (6–7 kg per bush).

The fruits of the Red Mullet F1 cucumber ripen quite quickly, you can pick them before reaching full ripeness, getting gherkins

Fruiting is extended, lasting at least two months. When cultivated indoors, the fruits are harvested before the end of September or even until October. So many fruits are removed at one time that there is enough of them for an amateur gardener, for example, for retail sale or for a large batch of homemade preparations.

Red Mullet F1 cucumbers are distinguished by their yield and duration of fruiting

The bush is indeterminate (its height has no artificial restrictions), intensively branching. The type of flowering is female, the ovary is bouquet. Each node produces 3 or more fruit ovaries (maximum 12). The leaves are not large, there are not very many of them.

The indeterminate nature of the plants means that the growth of Red Mullet F1 cucumber bushes is not limited in any way.

The fruits are one-dimensional, regular cylindrical in shape, with pronounced tubercles along the entire length. Against the general dark green background, short, blurry whitish streaks are visible in the lower third of the cucumber. Closer to the stalk the skin becomes slightly lighter. The edge is also light, not too thick. The approximate mass of greens is 95 g, length is no more than 10–12 cm.

Cucumbers skipped by the gardener retain their size, tenderness of the skin and presentable appearance.

Red Mullet F1 cucumbers that are not picked on time do not turn into “zucchini” and retain the typical appearance and taste of the variety

The taste of Red Mullet F1 cucumbers deserves exceptional praise. The pulp is sweetish, with a pronounced aroma, very juicy and crispy. The absence of bitterness is “innate.” The seeds are small, almost imperceptible when eaten. Zelentsy can be used in any way you like. They are very good both fresh and homemade pickles and marinades.

Pickled cucumbers Red Mullet F1 retain their shape, pulp density and, most importantly, their characteristic crunch.

According to the State Register, Red Mullet F1 cucumbers are resistant to powdery mildew and tolerant to downy mildew (downy mildew). The manufacturer claims relative resistance to these diseases. Growing practice and reviews from gardeners indicate that the hybrid (especially with proper agricultural technology) is highly resistant to other diseases and rarely suffers from fungi, bacteria, viruses, and insects.

Detailed description of the variety

The Red Mullet cucumber belongs to the indeterminate type, reaching 2.5 m without height restrictions. The crop is early ripening, the fruits ripen in 45 days. Cucumbers of this variety do not form a large number of stepsons; the plant is open, which allows for unhindered harvesting. The variety is cultivated depending on the climatic characteristics of the region: in open ground (OG) and in a protected area.

Cucumber is characterized by parthenocarpy and produces only female flowers. This varietal feature is a guarantee of a stable harvest. The Red Mullet hybrid does not need pollinators, ovaries are formed on each flower, and all green plants grow to biological ripeness.

External description of the Barabulka cucumbers shown in the photo:

1. The main stem is of medium volume, densely pubescent, with a ribbed surface, the structure is rigid, flexible, the color is gray-green. The side shoots are thin, with high arborization.
2. The foliage of the bush is dense, the leaves are large in size, attached to long petioles. The surface is uneven, finely studded, with dark green veins. The edges are wavy, the leaf blade is heart-shaped.
3. The root of the Red Mullet cucumber is powerful, highly branched, located close to the surface, the root circle occupies about 60 cm.
4. The variety blooms with yellow flowers located in the leaf node.

Attention! The Mullet F1 cucumber variety does not contain GMOs and can be consumed in unlimited quantities.

Characteristics of red mullet F1 cucumbers

Barabulka cucumber is an early fruiting hybrid from Russian agro. The variety was tested and in 2007 included in the State Register of the Russian Federation and recommended for planting in the Northern, Northwestern, Central regions, the Volga region and the North Caucasus.

Varabulka F1 variety is classified as parthenocarpic. Pollination of crop flowers occurs without the participation of insects. Parthenocarpics bear small, even fruits that do not turn yellow and are stored and transported for a long time.

The plant is indeterminate and branches well. Its flowers are female. The leaves are green and medium in size. 8-12 ovaries are formed in the leaf axil. Most of the fruits are located near the central shoot.

According to the description, reviews and photos, the fruits of the Red Mullet cucumbers have a number of features:

• cylindrical shape;
• large tubercles;
• length 10 - 12 cm;
• weight 90 - 100 g;
• dark green color;
• light stripes;
• white thorns;
• short neck.

Varabulka F1 variety is intended for protected soil. It is grown in private farms, greenhouses and greenhouses.

Characteristics of the bush

The plant is parthenocarpic - insect pollination is not required. The flowers are mostly female. Suitable for cultivation in open and closed soils.

Description of variety, bush:

• Has strong branching.
• Medium-sized plant.
• The number of ovaries ranges from 3 to 12.
• Many ovaries are formed near the main stem.
• Leaves are medium sized.
• The color of the leaves is bright green.

Resistance to pests and diseases

The Barabulka cucumber variety has a fairly stable immunity. Downy mildew, leaf mosaic, and powdery mildew are not observed on cucumbers. If the greenhouse is not ventilated and the humidity is high and the temperature is low, anthracnose may develop.

To combat fungal infection, bushes are treated with colloidal sulfur, and in the spring for prevention - with copper sulfate. In greenhouses, insects do not parasitize cucumbers. The Whitefly caterpillar is found in the OG. Pests are collected manually, and in case of large clusters they are treated with “Commander”.

Growing principle

The plant is unpretentious in care.
It is not necessary to put a lot of effort into growing the red mullet f1 cucumber hybrid. This variety is not picky about care or planting principles. Seeds should be planted in late April. It is best to do this in a greenhouse.

As soon as it was noticed that about 2 leaves appeared on the main stem, you can begin planting in open ground. Usually, only 1 month is enough to form this number of leaves. A distance of 60 cm should be maintained between rows. The same distance should be used between holes.

Productivity

From 1 m2 they collect 12-14 kg.

Pros and cons of the Red Mullet F1 cucumber variety

The advantages of growing cucumbers of the Barabulka F1 variety are recognized:

• good taste;
• high productivity;
• resistance to diseases;
• universal purpose.

Advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid

Benefits of Red Mullet:

• immunity to disease;
• high productivity;
• excellent taste without bitterness, juicy pulp, soft small seeds;
• immunity to temperature fluctuations;
• ease of care;
• early ripeness;
• friendly return of the harvest;
• Possibility of growing in open and protected ground.

The disadvantage of Red Mullet is the inability to use the seeds of the hybrid crop for planting. This increases the cost of the fruit.

Landing Features

Cucumber Mullet f1 can be planted in different ways: both seed and seedlings. The main thing is that the soil is warm enough at the time of planting, and the weather is sunny and warm. This variety, according to the description, loves light and ripens much faster in warm climates.

Sowing time

Seedlings of the Barabulka variety of cucumbers grow quickly. Young shoots are planted in a greenhouse after 3 leaves have formed on the stem. From the moment the seeds are planted until the plant is planted, 25 days pass. Cucumbers are planted on the site if the ground has warmed up to +14 0 C. Approximately, the sowing of seeds occurs at the beginning of April. The seedlings are transferred to an open area in mid-May. Seeds are planted in a greenhouse in early May, in an unprotected area 14 days later.

Selecting a location and preparing beds

The site is chosen to be open to the sun; temporary shading is allowed. A prerequisite is that the soil must be well drained; nearby groundwater is not suitable for the variety. Cucumbers do not react well to the north wind, so they take protective measures against drafts.

In the fall the site is dug up. If the soil is acidic, add lime or dolomite flour. Remains of weeds are removed, manure and ammonium nitrate are added. In the spring, the bed is loosened and re-fertilized with organic matter.

Planting seeds

The variety can be planted with seeds in open ground or a greenhouse only if the climate is sufficiently warm and stable. The seeds are added, according to the description, at the end of April, into previously prepared holes.

3 days before planting, the holes are filled with hot water. Before sowing, the seeds themselves are soaked for 40 minutes in a saline solution and disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate. To ensure that cucumbers develop good immunity, they can be further hardened on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

Planting seedlings

The most common and safest way to plant cucumbers. Red mullet f1, according to the description, is planted after the appearance of 4-5 leaves, when the height of the sprouts reaches 8-10 cm. Before transplanting into the ground, red mullet seedlings should be treated with fungicides.

For planting work, it is recommended to choose a clear, windless day. Cucumber sprouts are transferred to the soil very carefully - their roots are quite fragile and easily damaged.

How to plant correctly

Cucumbers do not tolerate transplantation well, so the seeds for seedlings are planted in peat cups. In order not to injure the root, the seedlings are placed on the site together with the container. A hole is made 5 centimeters larger than the peat cup, and the seedling is filled to the bottom leaves. 3 seedlings are placed per 1 m2. For seeds, make a hole 3.5 cm deep. The planting pattern is the same for the exhaust zone and the closed area. Row spacing – 45 cm, distance between bushes – 35 cm.

Care

From Barabulka’s description it is clear that the cucumber does not require complex care, it is tolerant of arid climates, and its cultivation does not require complex manipulations. In optimal conditions, with timely fertilizing, watering and weeding, it can produce an excellent harvest without any problems.

Watering

The Mullet f1 variety must be watered with settled warm water, non-mechanically, ideally using the drip method. The ideal time for watering is early morning or evening at sunset. Abundant watering is especially important at the stage of active growth of bushes and during the flowering period.

Water the cucumbers as the liquid evaporates, strictly at the root, avoiding drying out of the soil and stagnation of water.

Top dressing

Red mullet f1 is very susceptible to fertilizers. The first feeding of the cucumber is carried out 5 days after planting - a solution of mullein and nitrate is added. Then fertilizing is repeated 2-3 times - at the moment of formation of buds and tying greens.

Fertilizers are applied at the root of the red mullet. Potassium salt, ash, manure and superphosphates are best suited for this purpose. To stimulate the formation of ovaries, organic fertilizers that saturate the cucumber with oxygen are ideal.

Tying and shaping bushes

Red mullet, as described, tends to grow, so bushes need to be formed as early as possible. In a greenhouse, cucumbers are tied up a week after planting seedlings, in open ground - after 10-12 days.

The bush is formed into one stem, all side shoots need to be pinched as soon as their growth exceeds 20-30 cm. The top is also pinched - when the bush grows 1.3-1.5 m.

Hilling

Timely hilling is necessary for cucumbers to protect them from temperature changes - the Red Mullet variety is especially sensitive to them. The first time the bushes are covered with earth immediately after planting, or after 4-5 days - it all depends on the weather. Then, the cucumbers are hilled a second time when they grow 16-20 cm - they are covered with the lower tier of leaves.

Harvesting and application

The first harvest of red mullet is obtained in May or June. Plants bear fruit until the first frost.

Cucumbers are stored in a cool, damp place. If you plan to store the crop for a long time, then the greens are regularly sorted, removing withered and rotten fruits.

Red mullet cucumbers are universal in use. They are suitable for canning, pickling and fresh consumption.

Reviews

“For me, red mullet is a combination of good taste, low maintenance requirements, and, of course, the opportunity to reap a good harvest. A lot depends on the quality of the seeds, but the most important thing in this matter is the quality of the harvest. With proper care, I was able to collect up to 16 kg of cucumbers, and they were “one to one” - no giants or dwarfs! There are many varieties of cucumbers, but for many years now I have been giving preference to “Rabulka.” Mikhail Alexandrovich, 42 years old.

“A decent variety of cucumbers. Fragrant, crispy, perfectly eaten raw or cooked. For pickling and salads - what you need. The good news is that the seed can be planted using both seedling and non-seedling methods. In any case, you can count on a good harvest!” Ekaterina Ivanovna, 55 years old.

Diseases and pests

Red mullet f1 is a variety that has good immunity against many dangerous diseases of cucumbers. However, insect pests can cause serious damage to the variety’s harvest – a gardener should be especially attentive to this factor. It is better to plant cucumbers away from crops that are vulnerable to ants and aphids, and to thoroughly treat the area before planting.

Downy mildew

Downy mildew appears on cucumbers as yellowish or brownish polygonal spots. It affects the ovaries, making them small and twisted.

As soon as signs of the disease are noticed, Red Mullet cucumbers are temporarily stopped watering and treated with a solution of kefir and iodine (1 liter of the first and 2 drops of the second). A phytosporin solution will help stop the spread of bacteria.

melon aphid

A small greenish-white parasite eats the leaves of cucumbers, sucking the life juices from the plant. The main signs of aphid infestation are a sticky coating, drying out and curling of the leaves.

If the bushes of the Red Mullet variety are not too damaged, and there are few pests, treatment with wormwood infusion or a solution of 9% vinegar will help. In case of severe infection, radical agents are needed - such as neonicotinoids (Vector, Ratibor, Dantop), or pyrethroids (Kinmiks, Sherpa, Decis).

Ants

These insects, judging by the description, not only harm the cucumbers themselves, but also “bring” aphids with them. To get rid of ants, you must first find and destroy their nests. Then the plants of the variety are treated with solutions of Karbofos, Muratox, Delicia, etc. The best prevention against pests is ideal cleanliness and order in the beds - no plant or wood residues, timely treatment with light fungicides and thorough weeding of the rows.

Pros and cons of the variety

In general, the description of the variety demonstrates fairly high performance. It has all the necessary characteristics so as not to disappoint the gardener. Even a novice vegetable grower can cope with cultivating the variety. Red mullet has several important advantages, with virtually no serious disadvantages.

pros

Gardeners note, first of all, the variety’s endurance and resistance to the vagaries of the climate. The most important advantages of Red Mullet f1:

1. marketability: most cucumbers in the harvest are neat, shiny, rich in color, attracting the buyer’s attention;
2. parthenocarpicity - the bushes do not need pollination, which is important for greenhouse cultivation;
3. unpretentiousness - Red mullet, based on the description, does not require complex growing methods and is not capricious to soil and fertilizers;
4. uniform ripening - due to the large number of ovaries in the bud, cucumbers ripen continuously, one after another;
5. resistance to common diseases - the variety is immune to powdery mildew, gray rot and cucumber mosaic.

It is known that most reviews from vegetable growers about Red Mullet are positive and satisfactory.

Minuses

The variety has few negative qualities worthy of mention. Among the significant disadvantages of the Red Mullet f1 are:

1. intensive branching and unlimited growth - to prevent energy from going into growth, you will have to pay special attention to the formation of the bush;
2. vulnerability to downy mildew – the seed material of the variety requires pre-planting treatment;
3. pest damage - according to the description of vegetable growers, the Mullet crop often suffers from attacks by aphids and ants, in contrast to such parasite-resistant varieties as April f1;
4. cucumbers quickly ripen and “outgrow” - in order to get a marketable, neat harvest, you need to cut the greens on time.

The variety will not die from minor mistakes in care, but its yield and marketability will noticeably suffer, so it is better for the gardener not to let down his guard.

Gardening tips

Gardeners advise remembering a few rules. They will help you get a rich harvest and avoid many problems:

1. It is recommended to tear off the leaves at the bottom of the bush. This promotes better air exchange.
2. Before the inflorescences appear, cucumbers are watered 2 times a week and sprayed. After the flowers appear, water is poured under the root daily. You can't get pollen wet.
3. The day before fertilizing, the beds are watered abundantly.
4. Cucumbers are planted and watered early in the morning or at sunset. If this is done during solar activity, burns will appear on the leaves.
5. When transplanting seedlings to a permanent location, some gardeners coat the roots of the plants with a thin layer of honey. This will help cucumbers quickly adapt to new conditions and act as additional protection against fungal infections.
6. If several varieties of cucumbers grow nearby, it is recommended to place cobblestones with different patterns on their border. This will decorate the garden and prevent confusion.
7. As an additional feed for seedlings and adult plants, you can use the water in which vegetables and eggs were boiled.

Diseases and prevention

Due to the fact that breeding specialists made sure that this variety has a high level of immunity, it is not susceptible to any diseases. This species carries not only viral infections, but also fungal spores.

As a preventive measure, you should regularly examine the foliage of the plant. It is quite possible that parasites or insects will fly in to profit. At this point, it is easy to deal with them with your own hands, without resorting to the help of chemicals.