Ant cucumbers: characteristics and description of the variety. Cucumber Ant F1: reviews, photos, yield, growing secrets

Cucumber Ant f1 is not new to our gardens. Years of experience accumulated by summer residents allow us to classify it as one of the best hybrids for growing in greenhouses and in the open air. It has an excellent taste and high pickling qualities, and the plants are easy to care for.

History of selection

The development of the hybrid cucumber variety Ant f1 was carried out by Agro, one of the leading originating companies in Russia.

The Ant hybrid was presented and entered into the register of breeding achievements in 2003. As is customary in the production of any other variety hybrids, the company keeps the ancestors a secret. Ant cucumber seeds must be purchased from the manufacturer. It is impossible to breed a hybrid at home.

Ant f1 is recommended for cultivation in regions north of the Caucasus:

• North Caucasus;
• Volgo-Vyatka;
• Central Chernozem;
• Central;
• North-West;
• Severny.

The variety is not suitable for industrial cultivation by large agricultural holdings. It is recommended for small farms and private farmsteads. Optimal growing conditions for Ant f1 are greenhouses. But cucumber also grows well in open ground.

Reviews

“Gardening is my hobby. Every season I try to plant new varieties of cucumbers. Last year I planted Ant. I would like to note its positive qualities: easy to care for, excellent taste, disease resistance.” Daniil, 64 years old.

“I used to plant cucumbers with seeds collected from my garden, and 2 years ago I planted the Ant variety with purchased seeds. I was pleased with the almost one hundred percent germination rate and low maintenance requirements. The bushes grew strong and healthy. Gherkins marinate well. For those who are going to use them only fresh, I recommend planting them in several stages, since the fruiting of the bush quickly ends.” Elizaveta, 41 years old.

Description of the Ant cucumber variety

The Ant cucumber variety is a medium-sized plant with short side shoots. The bush is indeterminate. The main growth is along the length of the main stem. The Ant branches little and reluctantly. Due to its growth characteristics, it requires a mandatory garter. The plant is parthenocarpic, that is, it does not require pollination by bees. This allows the cucumber to feel good in the greenhouse and on the windowsill in the apartment.

A healthy bush has slightly wrinkled, dark green leaves. The edge of the leaf is slightly wavy. Size is medium.

Women's flowers. They grow in bunches of 3-7 flowers each. The ovaries form on the 38th day after the appearance of the first true leaves of the seedlings.

Fruit

Cucumbers in commercial form have a regular cylindrical shape. The fruits are smooth, slightly ribbed. Length 5-11 cm. Diameter 3-3.4 cm. Weight of one cucumber 100-110 g. The fruit is densely covered with large tubercles. The spines on the tubercles are white. The skin of the cucumber is green, with white stripes that reach the middle of the fruit.

The pulp is dense, crispy, juicy. There are no voids inside. This variety is devoid of bitterness at the genetic level.

Application area

Ant f1 is a universal variety, suitable for both fresh use and homemade preparations. Due to its small size and regular shape, cucumber is popular among housewives as a vegetable for preservation. The taste of the variety is high both fresh and canned.

Growing

Ant cucumbers are mainly grown in greenhouse conditions, but they also give good results in open ground conditions. Planting is carried out by seeds or seedlings when the soil warms up to 10-12 °C. Seeds are sown at the end of April, planting depth is 3-4 cm. Plant mainly 2-3 plants per square meter in greenhouse conditions, 3-5 plants per square meter when planting in open soil.

The bushes of the plant are of medium height, with short sides. The culture does not grow, so it can be planted in a small area.

Characteristics of the cucumber variety Ant f1

Ant f1 is an ultra-early ripening variety that begins to form ovaries on the 38th day after the appearance of the first true leaves. Ant f1 begins to bear fruit 1-2 weeks earlier than other varieties of cucumbers. But the yield of a variety largely depends on compliance with the rules of its cultivation. If grown incorrectly, not only the yield decreases, but also the quality characteristics deteriorate.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The Ant f1 hybrid is genetically resistant to the main diseases of cucumbers:

• powdery mildew;
• olive spot;
• ordinary cucumber mosaic;
• brown spot;
• downy mildew.

For these qualities, the variety is highly valued by small farmers who cannot afford large crop losses due to disease and are looking to reduce costs. The ability to avoid spending money on chemicals to treat diseases is a significant competitive advantage.

Protection against omnivorous insects and mollusks has so far only been achieved for potatoes, and then only at the level of genetic engineering. Therefore, Ant f1 is susceptible to pests in the same way as any other variety.

Productivity and fruiting

Cucumbers ripen 1-1.5 months after the formation of ovaries. When grown in open ground, Ant f1 is capable of filling up even with slight cold snaps. The yield of the variety is 10-12 kg/m².

Important! Ant cucumbers really do not like shading.

If the flowers do not get enough sun, the ovaries will not form. This is the main reason affecting the yield of the Ant f1 hybrid. With sufficient sunlight and nutrients, cucumber consistently produces high yields.

Advantages and disadvantages

According to reviews from gardeners, the Ant variety of cucumbers has only one serious drawback: you cannot get seeds from it for self-propagation. Even if it is possible to pollinate the flowers, the second generation of cucumbers will lose their marketable and taste characteristics.

Otherwise, the hybrid has only advantages:

• only female flowers on the lash;
• no need for pollinating insects;
• unpretentiousness;
• short fruitfulness;
• ultra-early fruit formation;
• high yield, little dependent on the weather (the influence of weather on greenhouse plants is always minimal);
• good taste;
• excellent presentation;
• resistance to pathogenic microorganisms.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ant cucumbers are very healthy, they contain many vitamins and beneficial components necessary for the body. The variety is very early, grown in a greenhouse, in open areas, in tunnels and even on a windowsill.

Advantages:

• earlier fruit ripening;
• bountiful harvest;
• fruit compactness;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• lack of bitterness in fruits;
• resistance to diseases;
• excellent presentation.

Among the disadvantages, they note the impossibility of collecting seeds to obtain seedlings next year. The resulting seedlings will be largely inferior in taste and other qualities to the mother seedlings.

Planting cucumbers Ant f1

The norm for placing hybrid plants in the Ant greenhouse is 3 pcs./m². In open ground, the number can be increased by 2 bushes, since the availability of free space is not critical. In the case of growing a hybrid under a film, it is necessary to take care of a larger area, since a cucumber with unlimited growth needs good lighting and a large feeding area.

Landing dates

Seeds for seedlings begin to germinate at the very end of April. According to the description, cucumber seeds can be brought into the greenhouse only in early May. And planting Ant f1 in open ground is postponed until the last days of May and early June. The most important condition for starting planting work is that the soil must warm up to 15°.

Site selection and soil preparation

The hybrid grows well in sunny, draft-free areas with well-drained, fertile soil. The pH value should not exceed 6.0. If the soil is too acidic, then during autumn preparation the beds are limed or dolomite flour is added. Good predecessors are nightshade and cruciferous crops. The site is prepared in two stages:

1. In the fall, compost or humus is spread over the designated area, and then the soil is dug up, removing the roots of the weeds.
2. In the spring they harrow, thereby “closing” the moisture.

For your information! In greenhouses, the cucumber beds are sown with green manure at intervals of 3 years, and the topsoil is also renewed annually.

Growing seedlings

Cucumbers do not tolerate transplantation well - the seedling method is usually used in regions with a cool climate. The cultivation of seedlings begins 20-25 days before the planned date of planting in the beds. For rapid germination, seeds are soaked in a growth stimulant solution for half an hour and sown in separate cups (the best option is peat pots). The containers are first filled with a nutrient mixture of peat, humus and sawdust, taken in a ratio of 2: 2: 1. 2 seeds are placed in each pot. Planting depth – 1 cm.

The containers are placed on a light windowsill and covered with glass. After emergence of seedlings, the protection is removed. As necessary, the crops are sprayed with a spray bottle. In the morning and evening (especially in cloudy weather), it is better to organize additional lighting, which will prevent the seedlings from stretching out. After the seedlings have three true leaves, they are ready to be planted in the beds.

Planting seedlings in open ground

The start of field work depends on the temperature: the soil should warm up to 12-15 °C. Sequence of steps:

1. Holes are prepared on the site according to a 30 x 70 pattern with a depth of 3 or 10 cm. The parameter depends on the method of cultivating cucumbers - seed or seedlings.
2. 2-3 seeds are sent into each hole or a peat pot with a seedling is placed.
3. The holes are filled with soil, the beds are mulched with peat or sawdust.

Growing without seedlings

When planting directly in the ground, the seeds are immediately planted in such a way that there are no more than 5 adult plants per 1 m². The minimum norm is 3 bushes per 1 m², so even if some vines die, there will be no crop loss. At first, the beds are covered with film to protect them from night frosts and drying out of the soil.

Rules for planting and care

Planting and care are carried out in the same way as with other indeterminate varieties of cucumbers. Planting rates for the Ant f1 variety: 3 bushes per 1 m² in a greenhouse and 3-5 per 1 m² in open ground. Having enough space when growing outdoors is not critical. It is enough to put a few supports.

When growing cucumbers in a greenhouse, care must be taken to ensure that the internal volume of the structure is large. This variety needs light.

Planting seedlings

Ant seedlings begin to be prepared at the end of April. You can either prepare a nutrient mixture for seeds yourself or buy it in a store. Before planting, the seeds are soaked for several hours. Disinfection is not required, since Ant seeds are purchased and must already be disinfected or not initially carry infectious microorganisms.

Any plant does not tolerate transplantation with bare roots. Cucumber seeds are large and planting them one at a time is not difficult. For good seedling survival, take a small container, fill it with soil and plant 1-2 cucumber seeds in it.

Important! After germination, the weaker sprout is removed.

Seedlings are planted in the ground after 3-4 true leaves appear, if the soil has warmed up to + 10-15 °C.

Growing cucumbers using the seedless method

When planting directly in the ground, the seeds are immediately planted in such a way that there are no more than 5 adult plants per 1 m². The minimum norm is 3 bushes per 1 m², so even if some vines die, there will be no crop loss. At first, the beds are covered with film to protect them from night frosts and drying out of the soil.

When planting cucumbers directly in open ground, the formation of the crop will begin later than when planting seedlings, since the seeds can be planted no earlier than the soil warms up. At the same time, seedlings are also planted, which are usually about 2 weeks old. Otherwise, the rules for planting seeds in open ground are similar to the rules for planting grains for seedlings.

Aftercare for cucumbers

Cucumber is a vine that can produce roots from its stem. When planting seedlings in a permanent place, the stem is slightly deepened so that the plant produces additional roots. After planting seedlings, care is usual. To get rid of weeds and avoid the appearance of an earthen crust near the cucumber bushes, you can mulch the soil.

The earth is periodically loosened. Cucumbers are fed with fertilizers.

When growing Ants in a greenhouse, there are 2 options:

• greenhouse - a building above a plot of land;
• the greenhouse is separated from the ground, and cucumbers are grown in a special substrate.

In the first case, although the Ant cucumber variety is resistant to diseases, there may be insect larvae in the soil. With a large concentration of pathogenic bacteria, they can even penetrate the Ant’s immunity.

The second option is more often used in greenhouses when growing large volumes of vegetables for sale. The fertile substrate is placed in containers completely separated from the natural soil. Vegetables are grown in this substrate. The advantages of isolated cultivation are that there are no pests or pathogens in the substrate. If the substrate is depleted or pests appear in it, the soil can be easily replaced.

Bush formation

This variety of cucumbers has the ability not to produce long side shoots. But the main stem does not stop growing after the first bunch of flowers and continues to grow further. It is not necessary to pinch the Ant, but it is necessary to ensure free growth of the main stem in length.

The ant will not form cucumber ovaries in shaded areas of the cane. Therefore, the whip is carefully straightened by tying it up. A good option is to “let” a cucumber whip along the ceiling of the greenhouse.

Caring for cucumbers Ant f1

Unpretentiousness and genetically high potential do not cancel the rules of agricultural technology. It is possible to get a rich harvest only with regular maintenance activities, which include not only watering, weeding and loosening. For active fruiting, the bushes must be shaped, periodically fed and, if necessary, protected from pest attacks.

Watering

Cucumbers are moistened as the soil surface dries. During the fruiting period, water the plants daily in the morning or evening with warm water. To avoid damaging the roots, use the watering can with a sprayer (the flow will not be too intense). Drip irrigation is organized in greenhouses. The latter not only saves the grower’s energy, but also reduces water consumption and prevents moisture stagnation.

Feeding and fertilizers

"Ant F1" responds well to additional nutrition. Cucumber plantings are fed four times a season. For the first feeding, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used - 15 days after emergence or planting of seedlings. The second and third application of nutrients occurs during flowering and fruiting, when plants need phosphorus and potassium. The universal composition is nitroammophoska. The last feeding is foliar. In the middle of the harvest, the bushes are sprayed over the leaves with a solution of wood ash.

Loosening and weeding

For full development, cucumbers need oxygen access to the root system. Systematic loosening allows for a “porous” soil structure that has good air permeability. After moistening, they are carried out to a shallow depth (up to 3 cm) so as not to damage the superficial root system. At the same time, weeds are removed. To increase the interval between loosening and weeding, the tree trunk circles are mulched. To do this, use compost, peat or sawdust. When choosing a suitable material for mulch, take into account the acidity of the soil.

Hilling

The procedure is especially important in areas with frequent drops in temperature and heavy rain. The first hilling of Ant f1 must be carried out after planting - the sprouts are covered with earth to the top. Subsequent hilling of cucumbers depends on the weather. Sprinkling to the lower tier of foliage is recommended on days of frost and after rains to prevent the formation of a dense crust on the soil.

Garter

Ant f1 does not involve special work with the shape of the bush. The main thing is to trim the side branches in a timely manner so that they do not grow. As soon as the bush of the variety reaches a height of 10-12 cm, it must be tied to a wooden peg so that the leaves do not touch the ground.

The upper shoot of the Ant does not require pinching - it stops growing at an acceptable height.

Bush formation

The hybrid has determinate side shoots, but the central stem does not stop growing after the first bunch of flowers and continues to develop. Pinch it only after reaching the top bar of the trellis. Since ovaries do not form in poor lighting, the shoots are straightened by tying them with twine. The formation scheme of “Ant” is standard:

• the first four leaf axils “blind”;
• the next three are subjected to the procedure partially, leaving one ovary and one leaf;
• further growth will not be interfered with.

For your information! If the lashes are spread along the ground, the central stem is pinched only in one case: when it begins to interfere with other plants.

Bush formation

When planting, the seedling is buried a little to form a more powerful root system. The hybrid has the property of not growing. The bush branches little and the side shoots do not stretch out. The central stem grows well and requires staking. Cucumbers of this hybrid are demanding on lighting; if the vines are not tied, the plant will not produce ovaries in shaded areas. For the full development of the root system, mulching is preferable.

See also

Description of cucumber varieties Mazai, Generalsky, Zena, KS 90, RMT, Taganay and othersRead

Harvesting and storage

Ant cucumbers begin to bear fruit from June 10-20 and produce a harvest until the end of July. It is better to collect greens of this variety once every 3-4 days, as they ripen together. Cucumbers are cut in the evening, half an hour after watering. Judging by the description, the harvest is stored well - it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. But it is still better to eat fresh greens, only collected from the bush.

Watering

Water the cucumbers only with warm water, at least 24-25℃, and at least 1-2 times a day. Cold water does not allow the plant to develop normally, overcooling the root system. Early ripening Ant cucumbers love constantly moist soil and prefer drip watering. This is not difficult to organize using plastic bottles. Mulching the soil with sawdust, peat or straw helps to avoid rapid drying out of the top layer and creates a good environment for earthworms to live.

Diseases and pests

The most common infection of cucumbers is fungi. These include:

• dry spotting (alternaria);
• copperhead (anthracnose);
• root and basal rot;
• black stem rot (ascochyta blight);
• wilting of cucumber (tracheomycosis).

Most often, these diseases manifest themselves as spots on the leaves (mycelium appears on the inside) or ripening fruits.

The fight against fungal infections is carried out by disinfecting the soil, monitoring its moisture capacity, maintaining optimal air temperature and preventive treatment with special preparations.

Cucumbers of the Ant variety have genetic immunity against powdery and downy mildew, cladosporiosis and downy mildew, which are dangerous for other varieties.

Of the bacterial diseases, the greatest danger is angular leaf spot (bacteriosis), which affects almost all visible parts of the bush. The best prevention of bacteriosis is the choice of healthy planting material and thorough disinfection of soil and crops.

Improved characteristics

Since breeding work to improve the qualities of already registered hybrids continues constantly, we present the data that was initially announced and those indicated at the moment in a comparative table:

Due to changes in individual characteristics, in particular a decrease in plant growth rates, Murashka F1 cucumbers are now considered by many to be an excellent option for home vegetable crops, suitable for growing on a windowsill or balcony.

"Murashka F1" can provide an all-season harvest of cucumbers at home

To understand in more detail the features of this hybrid, let’s move on to a detailed description.