Cucumber Merry gnomes F1: characteristics and rules for obtaining a generous harvest

It’s worth starting the description of the Cheerful Dwarfs f1 cucumber variety with the fact that it is an ultra-early cucumber and has a record ripening time of 38-40 days. It was officially included in the Register and went on mass sale in 2013. The cucumber is versatile - it grows well in open ground, on the balcony, and in the greenhouse. Despite its early ripening, the variety has excellent taste. Cheerful gnomes can be added to salads, main courses, and canned.

Description of cucumbers Cheerful gnomes

According to the official description, Merry gnomes f1 are well suited for most domestic climatic zones; they tolerate frosts and even droughts well due to their well-developed and strong root system. This cucumber is parthenocarpic and does not require insect pollination.

The yield of the variety is quite high for early vegetables - 18-20 kg/m². The immunity of the hybrid is also at the level - in the open ground, Cheerful gnomes practically do not suffer from common infections.

The external description of the variety emphasizes one distinctive detail - the greens ripen on the bush in clusters, 4-5 pieces each. The bush itself grows in one stem, reaching a height of 1.5 m, which makes it possible to cultivate such a cucumber even in an apartment. The leaves on it are small, oval, slightly wavy, dark green in color. The flowers are small, bright yellow.

Zelentsy Cheerful gnomes f1 are small in size - 9-10 cm in length, weight - up to 90 g. Due to their miniature size, they are perfect for preservation. The cucumber is almost uniform, rich green in color with barely noticeable light stripes. The taste of vegetables of this variety is fresh, sweetish, juicy and crispy, even after heat treatment.

Detailed description of the fruits

Cucumber variety Cheerful gnomes of bunch type. The fruits in each node are aligned, from the bottom to the top of the same weight and size. Zelentsy, when they reach biological ripeness, do not grow in length or width. During the aging process, they do not change color (do not turn yellow), retain their taste, acid and bitterness are completely absent. The only change is that the peel becomes tougher.

Characteristics of the fruits of the Merry Dwarfs variety:

• cucumber is cylindrical, slightly elongated, weighing 75-95 g, length 7-8 cm;
• the color is uneven, dark green near the stalk, becoming lighter at the top, with pronounced yellow stripes running from the point of attachment of the flower to the middle of the fruit. Greens at the stage of technical ripeness have a uniform green color;
• the surface is finely lumpy with a short white edge growing from the center of the irregularity;
• the peel is elastic, durable, thin, glossy, without a waxy coating. Resists minor mechanical stress well;
• the pulp has a dense consistency, light green, juicy, without voids, small seeds in small quantities;
• The taste of cucumber is sweet, with a pronounced aroma, without bitterness.

According to reviews from vegetable growers, cucumbers of the Merry Dwarfs variety, after harvesting, retain their taste and presentation for up to 3 weeks if stored in the refrigerator. The duration of storage without lowering the temperature is within 10 days.

The ability of the Merry Dwarfs cucumber to withstand transportation well and maintain its marketable appearance for a long time makes the variety suitable for commercial cultivation. Fruits with a high tasting rating, they are consumed fresh, they are an ingredient in vegetable salads. The shape and size of the fruit are convenient for preservation as a whole. After hot processing, the cucumber retains its crunch and elasticity, no voids are formed in the pulp, and the color does not change.

Pros and cons of the variety

Cheerful gnomes f1, despite the relative youth of the variety, have managed to earn popularity among summer residents and professional vegetable growers who grow herbs for sale. This cucumber is resistant to temperature changes, does not require complex care and boasts an unusual, bright taste.

pros

The new generation variety has many advantages. Judging by the description, it is precocious, but this quality practically does not affect its taste and beneficial properties. Among the most important positive aspects of the Merry Dwarves:

1. productivity - with generous watering and high-quality fertilizing, you can get up to 20 kg/m² of excellent, marketable vegetables;
2. excellent taste and aroma - cucumber has the highest taste qualities and does not become bitter even when overgrown;
3. resistance – the Veselye Dwarfs variety is able to withstand frosts up to 7° and soil overheating slightly above 20° without loss of quality;
4. high immunity - the greenhouse variety does not suffer from parasites, and the ground variety is not afraid of viruses and bacteria.

The side shoots of Merry Dwarfs f1 develop weakly; the cucumber does not require complex manipulations when forming a bush.

Minuses

No significant deficiencies were found in the variety. Some vegetable growers note in the description the high dependence of yield on the quality of fertilizing and watering. In general, the main disadvantages of Jolly Gnomes are as follows:

1. low germination - unlike such hybrids as Boy with a Thumb, the seeds of the main variety germinate only 75-85%;
2. decrease in yield in apartment conditions - those who are going to cultivate cucumber on the balcony should take into account that in this case its yield will drop by 1.5 times;
3. greenhouse vegetables sometimes suffer from anthracnose, while ground vegetables are susceptible to whitefly attacks.

Cheerful gnomes f1 require a lot of water and suffer greatly from lack of watering.

Main characteristics of the variety

The cucumber of the Cheerful Dwarfs variety does not require an excessive amount of sunlight for its growing season. In OG it grows in periodically shaded areas. The variety is frost-resistant, in the first phase of growth the plant tolerates temperatures down to +70 C, at +200 C it does not slow down its development, and can bear fruit if the temperature does not rise.

The drought tolerance of the Merry Dwarfs cucumber is excellent. The variety responds well to high temperatures, greens in a place exposed to the sun do not wither or bake, and the leaves do not turn yellow. The plant, like all representatives of the species, requires regular watering and moderate air humidity.

Productivity

Cucumber variety Cheerful gnomes has an ultra-early fruiting period. In 40 days, cucumbers reach biological ripeness. Ripening times depend on growing conditions and climate zone. In a warm region in an open area, cucumbers ripen 7 days later. Fruiting is bunch-shaped, due to this feature the relatively low plant produces a good harvest.

The yield of one bush is within 7-8 kg, regardless of where the plant is cultivated, in a greenhouse or exhaust gas. The first harvest occurs in early or mid-June, fruiting lasts until the end of July. 3 cucumber bushes are planted per 1 m2, the fruit harvest is about 20 kg per 1 m2.

To extend the harvest time, the plant is planted at intervals of 3 weeks. If the first seedlings are planted in May and the next in June, this technique increases the fruiting period. The yield indicator is not affected by changes in temperature conditions, excess or lack of ultraviolet radiation, or the choice of growing in greenhouse structures or exhaust gas.

Attention! Without constant watering, the Cheerful Dwarfs cucumber variety will stop growing and will not produce a harvest.

Resistance to pests and diseases

The Merry Dwarfs cucumber variety has the ability to resist most of the diseases that affect the crop. In exhaust gas the plant does not get sick. In a greenhouse, if growing conditions are not met (low temperature, no ventilation, too high humidity), anthracnose may develop. To eliminate fungal infections, bushes are treated with colloidal sulfur. For prevention after flowering - copper sulfate. Cucumbers grown indoors are not affected by pests. In the OG, the crop is parasitized by whitefly caterpillars. Eliminate the pest with the drug “Commander”.

Pros and cons of the variety

The advantages of the Cheerful Dwarfs cucumber variety include:

• frost resistance;
• undemanding to the amount of sunlight;
• high fruiting due to the bunch-shaped arrangement of flowers;
• yield does not depend on weather conditions and method of cultivation;
• the size of the fruit allows them to be preserved as a whole;
• gastronomic qualities are high;
• can be stored for a long time and transported safely;
• resistant to infection and pests.

The variety has no disadvantages. Like all representatives of the species, the Merry Dwarfs cucumber needs watering and staking to a trellis. The hybrid variety is prone to degeneration if cucumbers are bred with independently collected seeds from the mother bush.

Landing Features

The cucumber in question is shade-tolerant, but still prefers places exposed to the sun. For Merry Gnomes, preliminary germination is recommended. Due to its short ripening period, cucumber is capable of producing several harvests per season.

Landing dates

This variety feels best in a tall, spacious greenhouse. The earliest date for planting Jolly Dwarf seeds for seedlings is the last days of March. Optimal for any type of cultivation is to plant seeds for cultivation on the 20th of April. In this case, the sprouted cucumber can be added to the soil as early as May 10-20. The main condition is that the soil has a temperature of at least 14° so that the seedlings do not freeze.

Site preparation

Cheerful gnomes f1 feel best in flat areas, sheltered from the winds, located on the southeast side. In the fall, the soil under the cucumber is dug deeply, removing all the sprouts of weeds and other debris. After this, according to the description, the soil with high acidity is fed with dolomite flour, then standard fertilizers for the variety are applied - saltpeter and manure.

Immediately before planting the Jolly Dwarfs, the soil is loosened again and phosphorus fertilizers are applied.

Planting seeds

Cucumber tolerates seedling cultivation best. A nutritious soil mixture is poured into separate small cups or pots with holes, moistened well and 2-3 Cheerful Dwarf seeds are added to each to a depth of 2-2.5 cm. Then the plantings are placed in a place with a temperature of 21°-22°.

Water the seedlings of the variety through a spray bottle with well-heated water. Before planting the cucumber in the beds, leave one sprout at a time in the containers.

Planting seedlings

The seedlings of the variety are transferred to the ground 25-28 days after planting. By this moment, the cheerful gnomes should have 3-4 full-fledged leaves. The sprouts are transported carefully - their roots are very fragile and break easily.

4-5 plants per 1 m² are transplanted into open ground, and no more than 3 into a greenhouse. The sprouts of Cheerful Gnomes f1 are deepened by 7-10 cm. Immediately after planting, each cucumber must be covered with earth so that it is better strengthened and watered abundantly.

Planting scheme

Despite its relatively small size, the variety needs space - crowded planting leads to diseases. The ideal distance between the plants of the Jolly Dwarfs is 30-35 cm. At the same time, the cucumber requires a row spacing of 65 to 70 cm.

If necessary, as the plantings grow, it is worth thinning them out so that they do not interfere with each other - this is especially important for greenhouse vegetables.

Diseases and pests

Cheerful gnomes are resistant to powdery mildew, fungal diseases, and all types of spotting. Preventive measures should not be neglected - the crop should be sprayed with fungicides.

Cucumbers may be susceptible to aphid infestation. Insecticides and traditional methods help in the fight against insects:

• soap solutions;
• ash solutions;
• herbal infusions and decoctions.

Care

Gardeners call Cheerful Gnomes a variety that is not too demanding to care for. The main thing that the hybrid requires for successful ripening, according to the description, is regular watering, periodic feeding, and timely weeding. A cucumber can be attacked by parasites, so cleanliness on the site and regular inspection of the plantings of the variety are of particular importance for the harvest.

Watering

Water the cucumber every 3-4 days as the soil dries. Cheerful gnomes f1 prefer the drip method of watering - the water should go to the root so as not to cause burns to the foliage. In normal weather, the variety is watered in the evening, in extreme heat - in the early morning.

The water temperature is preferably room temperature, or 2°-3° warmer. On days of severe drought, water the cucumber every other day.

Garter and bush formation

The variety is usually formed into one, central stem. In this case, all side shoots must be blinded at the level of 2-3 leaves. To prevent the cucumber from wasting its strength, the lower leaves at this level are also removed.

In order for the Merry Gnomes to grow comfortably, they are tied up early and attached to trellises as high as possible - first of all, in a greenhouse, where the cucumber can become infected with rot. There is no need to pinch the top.

Top dressing

Early varieties need abundant feeding. The first time Merry Dwarves fertilize, based on the description, 2 weeks after planting. Use a solution of manure or chicken droppings. Then regular feeding is carried out every 10 days.

During the period of active growth, the cucumber is fed with nitrogen fertilizers, and at the time of ovary formation - with potassium-phosphorus and organic fertilizers.

Hilling

Hilling up the cucumber is necessary so that it takes root better in the soil and does not freeze during night frosts. The first time the Merry Dwarfs are sprinkled with earth immediately after transplanting into the ground - they are covered halfway up their height. All subsequent hillings are carried out as described, if necessary.

Grown plants of the variety are sprinkled with soil to the level of the lower leaves. Do not forget about loosening - the soil under the cucumber must be loosened as a hard crust forms.

Caring for plants during growth

To get a plentiful and high-quality harvest, cucumber vines need to be constantly looked after.

1. Watering and loosening.
2. Feeding, protection from diseases and pests.
3. Weeding, gartering, pinching.

All these activities are part of the comprehensive care of cucumbers.

Diseases and parasites

Despite their strong immunity, Cheerful gnomes f1 need pre-planting treatment against viruses and timely treatment against parasites. Most often, a cucumber gets sick in a greenhouse, and the variety in the garden where the weeds are poorly weeded is eaten by pests.

Anthracnose

A fungal disease caused by high humidity at high temperatures. It is detected by the appearance of small wet yellowish marks on the leaves of the variety, which subsequently grow and rot.

As soon as the cucumber shows signs of anthracnose, the plantings of Cheerful Gnomes should be immediately treated with copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture. After this, the entire greenhouse is sprayed with a solution of potassium permanganate.

Whitefly

This miniature white butterfly lays eggs on the inside of the leaves of the Jolly Gnomes. The hatched larvae not only devour the plant, but also carry bacteria. As soon as it is noticed that whitish midges are circling over the plantings, the area under the cucumber is immediately treated with garlic broth.

To combat multiplying insects, washing the leaves of the variety with a weak soap solution is effective.

Aphid

This widespread, incredibly voracious parasite is capable of destroying most of the variety's harvest. In order not to miss its appearance, you need to inspect the underside of the leaves of the Jolly Dwarfs every few days.

The most environmentally friendly way to control cucumbers is to spray them with a solution of wood ash or laundry soap. A weak decoction of celandine is also good. If there are a lot of aphids on the plantings, you will have to resort to insecticide treatment.

Regional affiliation and growing conditions

The hybrid Merry Dwarfs is suitable for growing in all regions of the Russian Federation. The originator ensured that state tests were carried out, after which the variety was included in the state register of selection achievements in 2022. During experimental cultivation, the plant was adapted to the conditions of the temperate climate of the middle zone and the harsh climate of Siberia and the Western part of the Russian Federation.

Harvesting and storage

This early ripening cucumber begins to ripen in late June. A week before harvesting, you need to stop feeding. The greenery of the Cheerful Dwarfs f1 practically does not outgrow, however, in order to extend the fruiting period, it is better not to delay harvesting.

The variety is harvested every other day. The best time for this is evening, after 30-40 minutes. after watering. Cheerful gnomes are carefully cut with scissors or sharp pruning shears, trying not to damage the stalk.

Cucumber stores quite well. In the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in plastic, the harvest can remain fresh and fragrant for about 2-3 weeks. It is not recommended to wash greens after harvesting - this can significantly shorten its shelf life. The vegetable tolerates transportation well. Despite the thin skin, the variety does not crack or lose its marketable qualities even during long journeys, which makes it a good choice for cultivation for sale.

Positive qualities of gnomes

Judging by the reviews, gardeners highlight the following positive qualities in this variety:

• early ripeness and high yield;
• possibility of growing in open and closed ground;
• disease resistance;
• high quality of fruits and duration of fruiting;
• versatility in use and resistance to overgrowth;
• possibility of growing in production areas for sale.

See also

How to process and feed cucumbers with whey and iodineRead

The most productive varieties of cucumbers for greenhouses

Fruitful varieties include varieties that produce 10-15 kg of cucumbers per square meter. m. However, this does not mean that plants will be so generous without human intervention. To get as many fruits, you need to regularly water and fertilize the bushes. With good, well-thought-out agricultural technology, 3 varieties of crops can boast excellent results.

Summer resident

Another early ripening hybrid, ripening 43-45 days after germination. It is suitable for growing both outdoors and indoors. But the plant needs pollination by bees, so it is only relevant if you have your own apiary. The bushes are vigorous, unpretentious in care, with high yield - 4-6 fruits are formed per node.

Summer residents are planted in May, when the threat of frost has passed. The culture is resistant to diseases - mosaic, aphids, etc. Biologists recommend eating fresh cucumbers, although reviews show that canned vegetables are no less tasty. Ripe fruits weigh about 90 g and have a length of about 10 cm. Their shape is elongated, cylindrical.

Advantages

• Good seed germination;
• Drought resistance;
• Does not require much space for planting;
• Cucumbers grow compactly, in clusters;
• No thorns on the peel.

Flaws

Needs regular watering.

This is one of the most productive varieties of cucumbers for greenhouses, which yields 2-3 kg per 1 square meter per harvest. m. Therefore, it is profitable to grow it for the purpose of further sale.

Pinocchio

This variety is included in the rating primarily due to the smoothness of the fruits, as well as the lack of bitterness in the pulp and seeds. This allows you to use it both fresh (for salads) and canned. It is characterized by a sweet taste, with a slight crunch. Collected vegetables do not spoil for a long time and can be stored in the refrigerator for over a week.

Buratino cucumbers have a dense, but not hard or rough skin. If necessary, it can be easily removed with a knife. The plant is cultivated in closed and open beds, on window sills and loggias. The bushes are indeterminate and may require support. The variety pleases with the first greenery already 48 days after the appearance of leaves and stems. But under unfavorable weather conditions, these dates may shift by 7-10 days.

Advantages

• Delicate and glossy skin;
• Juicy pulp;
• No thorns;
• The optimal diameter is 3.5-4 cm;
• The length is no more than 22 cm, which is convenient for canning.

Flaws

The need for regular feeding.

The weight of one fruit varies around 120-140 g, but smaller cucumbers can also be collected. The timing of the harvest has virtually no effect on the taste.

Zozulya

One of the oldest Russian varieties of cucumbers, included in the state register of the Russian Federation back in 1977. The plant is cultivated in most regions of Russia - Central Black Earth, North-Western, etc. The bushes are designed for growing under film covers and in greenhouses; it is in such conditions that they produce the best harvest. The beginning of fruiting occurs 42-47 days after the appearance of the green part.

Pollination is not required for normal plant development, but if you need to increase the yield, it is recommended. The bushes are unpretentious in care, resistant to weather changes and sensitive to fertilizing. For one sq. It is recommended to sow no more than 6 seeds. During the season it is possible to collect 15-20 kg of vegetables per 1 sq. m. But in the first month you shouldn’t expect good results - the result is no more than 8 kg.

Advantages

• Smooth surface;
• Not sharp thorns;
• Thin skin;
• Sweetish pulp;
• It does not turn yellow for a long time and retains its presentation.

Flaws

It is not very convenient to compact into jars due to the length of 14-24 cm.

The considered variety of cucumbers for greenhouses is resistant to short-term frosts. The fruits are used for salads and canapes, for cutting and decorating snacks.

Advantages and disadvantages

Gardeners prefer this hybrid for the following reasons:

1. Productivity - with sufficient fertilizer and regular watering, you can harvest from 3 kg of cucumbers from a bush.
2. Presentation – cucumbers even out in size when ripe; overgrowing and barreling are not typical for the hybrid.
3. Size – the fruits are small, which allows them to be used for various preparations.
4. Taste – no bitterness, the flesh is dense and juicy.
5. Immunity – you don’t have to worry about epidemics.

The cucumber has no obvious disadvantages, but one should take into account the hybrid’s demands on the soil: it must be well prepared and abundantly fertilized with organic compounds. Also, the hybrid origin of the cucumber makes collecting native seeds impossible.

Agricultural technology

To plant seed material, you need to spread the seeds over the bed or pre-prepare the seedlings. The second option is more relevant for regions with a temperate climate or for cultivation in a greenhouse/greenhouse. If it is necessary to prepare sprouts, then the seeds are planted in the last days of March. The plant is able to grow in the shortest possible time and in 25 days about 3 true leaves will be formed.

At this time, the bushes can be planted at a subsequent permanent location, but only if the soil is warmed to +14 °C. For the greenhouse, seeds are sown for seedlings on the 20th of April, and the sprouts are transferred to the ground in the second half of May. To grow a rich, tasty and high-quality harvest, you need to choose a place:

• with periodic dimming;
• on the south or east side of the site;
• with fertile and well-drained soil;
• where there are adjacent waters nearby.

The bed is prepared in the fall. If the soil is too acidic, you need to add dolomite flour, and then dig it up. Be sure to add organic fertilizers and saltpeter. With the onset of spring, the area must be thoroughly loosened and re-fertilized with fluoride-containing substances.

Direct planting of seeds for seedlings is done in peat cups. This will simplify the process of transplanting to the garden bed and prevent plant stress. The containers will be installed directly into the ground in a depression that will be 5 cm larger than the height of the glass.

To plant seeds, it is enough to make holes 2.5 cm deep. The interval between holes is 35 cm, and between rows is 45-50 cm.

Agricultural technology is as follows:

1. The bushes need to be constantly watered with warm water, previously settled.
2. Watering is done early in the morning or late in the evening.
3. Water is introduced only at the root so that burns do not form on the leaves.

The watering regime is adjusted depending on the amount of precipitation.

Note! Fertilizing is done during the flowering and ripening period. It is better to choose superphosphate. Loosening and weeding should be regular

You should not pinch the top of the head, as the lashes will not grow more than 1.2 m

Loosening and weeding should be regular. You should not pinch the top of the head, as the lashes will not grow more than 1.2 m.