Early varieties of cucumbers are most often grown in cold regions with short summers. Such early cucumbers have excellent time to ripen in a short time. At the same time, cucumbers are considered a cold-resistant and unpretentious crop. Various early varieties of cucumbers can be successfully grown both in greenhouses and in open ground. Also, it is worth noting that early cucumbers are parthenocarpic (self-pollinating). And yet, they are not inferior in taste and commercial qualities to cucumbers with late and medium ripening. Further in the article, we will look in more detail at early ripening cucumbers. Go?
Features of ultra-early varieties
In the group of early ripening cucumbers there are varieties and hybrids. In the former, seeds can be collected for subsequent planting; in hybrid forms (marked F1), the characteristics are not preserved and seed collection is impossible.
The harvest time for early species varies from 38 to 45 days. The exact time depends on a number of factors:
- proper care;
- climate of the area;
- weather conditions.
Bee-pollinated varieties are suitable for open ground, as well as parthenocarpic varieties (the ovary is formed without pollination). In the first case, it is necessary to ensure pollination of the plantings by insects: sow honey plants near them, spray the beds with sweet syrup. Parthenocarpics do not require pollination and produce a stable harvest without the help of insects.
Early cucumbers are usually used in summer salads, eaten fresh or sliced. But many varieties have been developed that are suitable for preservation and pickling. A number of gardeners believe that varietal greens are tastier than hybrid ones. But it’s difficult to talk about tastes; a lot depends on the conditions in which the vegetable grew, proper watering, the presence of heat and lighting.
On a note! In hybrid greens, there is no bitterness in the pulp at the genetic level.
When to sow seeds
To obtain early harvests, cucumbers in most regions of Russia are grown through seedlings. The optimal age of seedlings is 25-30 days. The time for sowing seeds is determined by the time of possible planting of plants on the ridge.
Greenhouse cucumbers are planted in the middle zone already in early May; for open ground plants the timing shifts closer to summer. In the conditions of the North-West, Siberia, and the Urals, cucumber ridges can only be identified in early June.
Approximate sowing dates:
- in the middle zone and Moscow region - the second or third ten days of April;
- in Siberia, in the Urals - early May;
- North-West - first ten days of May.
How to get an early harvest of cucumbers
Maintaining high temperature and humidity is the key to an early and abundant harvest. The easiest way to create a comfortable microclimate for early cucumbers is in a greenhouse or greenhouse. By the end of May, the plants produce their first ovaries.
Early potato varieties
To maximize the process of fruit formation, experienced gardeners suggest following the following recommendations:
- use only sprouted seeds;
- start planting seedlings in April;
- plant strong seedlings in the greenhouse no later than May 15, when it is already possible to plant cucumbers in an unheated greenhouse;
- carefully monitor temperature dynamics and humidity levels.
Important! Seeds will germinate faster at t >23°C. In cloudy weather, you need to use lighting for seedlings. Young plants move into the ground only after 4-5 true leaves appear.
Review of ultra-early varieties
Cucumbers for open ground grow successfully under light covers on beds (non-woven material). For bee-pollinated plants, the material will have to be removed during the flowering stage; parthenocarpics successfully set fruit under the fabric.
- Masha F1 is a popular early cucumber, used for salads and canning. Does not require pollination, produces greenery well in low light. Resistant to cucumber mosaic, powdery mildew;
- Ant F1 - cucumbers ripen in about 40 days. A productive hybrid with predominantly female flowers. The fruits are small, 7-9 cm, with tubercles and white spines. The pulp is sweet, with a crunch, few seeds;
- Altai is early, with a shortened stem and small vines. Forms many gherkins with a small number of seeds in the pulp. It is characterized by frost resistance, active fruiting in June, and keeping quality;
- Maresa F1 is a salad hybrid, with long, up to 14 cm greens. The skin is dense, thin, tuberculate. Weight – up to 65-70 grams. From 1 sq. meters are collected at 11-12 kg;
- Saracen F1 is an ultra-early hybrid (32-40 days) of a universal type. It bears fruit well in garden beds, but requires full lighting. Zelentsy – 12-14 cm, tuberculate;
- Ataman F1 is a plant with a powerful root system; green plants reach maturity in 40-41 days. Hybrid from agro, differs in productivity, suitability for transportation;
- Baby raccoon F1 is an early hybrid with tasty greens. The fruits grow up to 9 cm, the skin is dense, green with small light stripes. There is no bitterness in the pulp
Rating of the best ultra-early cucumbers
Every gardener has his own favorite early cucumbers. The rating will allow you to choose the most popular and productive varieties.
Showcase F1
Fruitful, bunch-shaped. Produces up to 4-6 ovaries in one bosom and is not afraid of low temperatures.
Zelentsy are beautiful, spindle-shaped, up to 10 cm long with small tubercles. Purpose – conservation.
Cupid F1
Hybrid form bred by breeders (Russia). Listed in the State Register catalog (2000).
It begins to bear fruit in 37-40 days; on the first tier it exhibits a bouquet type of ovaries. Cucumbers – 12-15 cm, juicy, with fine pubescence on the skin.
On a note! During the harvest period, the hybrid requires regular collection of greens. Otherwise, the fruits become overgrown and lose their taste.
Meringue F1
Hybrid from the agricultural company Seminis (Holland), productive, with high commercial quality greens. The pulp is sweet and aromatic. Both ripe cucumbers and gherkins are used. Harvesting – up to 12 kg of greens per 1 sq. meters.
Anzor F1
Harvesting is in 35-39 days, so summer residents choose a hybrid for early planting. Resistant to cold snaps, does not shed ovaries during prolonged rainfall. It bears fruit well in beds, yielding approximately 5-6 kg per square meter. The cucumbers are dark green in color, no more than 10 cm long, with white spines.
Baby
Zelentsy are ready for harvesting in 40 days. Pollinated by bees, partial parthenocarpy is present. Advantages:
- not susceptible to infections;
- resistant to low temperatures;
- stable yield.
Weight – 80-90 grams, white pubescence on the skin, large tubercles.
Berendey F1
The first greens up to 14 cm long are ready for harvest after 40 days (subject to proper care). A reliable and stable hybrid in fruiting, with juicy and aromatic cucumbers. The fruit pulp is crispy, without bitterness. 6-8 kg are harvested from a bush in open ground.
Care
The main steps in caring for cucumbers include loosening the soil, weeding, pinching shoots, constant watering and fertilizing. For the purpose of mulching, it is allowed to use pure straw humus, straw chaff or simple sawdust.
Do you think it is necessary to always mulch the soil?
Not really
This mulch is extremely effective and reduces the need for regular weeding. In addition, under mulch, the soil moisture required for plants is preserved for a very long time, and the fertilizer becomes an auxiliary food for early ripening cucumbers.
During the entire growing season, it is necessary to fertilize the cucumbers 2 or 3 times with a solution containing the appropriate elements:
- ammonium nitrate - 60 g;
- superphosphate - 80 g;
- potassium chloride - 30 g.
The first harvest of early and ultra-early types of greens is carried out approximately one and a half months after sowing the seeds.
This amount of high-calorie substances is calculated to fertilize 10 square meters of planting area. An excellent result is provided by feeding plants with slurry, which must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. It is very important to keep in mind that watering is carried out with warm water in the evening.
Ultra-early varieties of cucumbers for open ground
Each region of Russia has its own climatic conditions and characteristics. The choice of variety is determined taking into account the weather and growing conditions.
Early varieties for the Moscow region
Gardeners grow both traditional varieties and choose new ones. The latter are not inferior in taste to the “oldies”, but are superior in terms of productivity and resistance to adverse conditions.
F1 debut
On the ridges, the harvest is obtained in 40-42 days. Cucumbers up to 13 cm, crispy, juicy, with rare large tubercles on the skin. A very productive hybrid with good commercial properties.
Walk F1
Go for a walk, so go for a walk, the breeders decided and bred an early cucumber for open ground. Zelentsy is harvested after 45 days, but the peak occurs in the late period (after about 48-50 days). Requires pollination by bees, the bush is full of female flowers. 5-6 kg of greens are collected from a bush.
Early cucumbers for Siberia
High productivity indicators in the regions of Siberia and the Urals are shown by cold-resistant hybrid forms. They do not reduce fruiting when temperatures drop and are resistant to infections.
June precocious F1
Stress-resistant hybrid for planting in beds. It produces a very early harvest already in the first month of summer, while being resistant to possible cold snaps. The ovaries come in bunches, 2-4 aligned greens. The length of the fruit is 10 cm, the weight is 40-45 grams. Up to 20-24 kg are harvested per square meter of beds.
Siberian courtyard F
Super early, ready for harvest in 35-38 days. Large tubercles stand out on the skin, the color of the greens is emerald. They weigh 80-90 grams, grow no more than 9-10 cm. They are planted on beds according to a 40x40 cm pattern.
For cultivation in Belarus
Select varieties adapted to the climate of the country. Early hybrids allow you to get greens by the end of June.
Corinna F1
The hybrid is presented on the market from German breeders. It is considered an improved type of Connie cucumber. Sweetness is inherent at the genetic level; there is no bitterness in greens. The fruits are dense, with small tubercles, 7-10 cm in size.
Son of the F1 regiment
Early, tasty, unpretentious – these are the main advantages of a fruitful hybrid. In Belarus, it is suitable for growing on ridges, produces smooth fruits up to 10 cm long. It is distinguished by high immunity to powdery mildew.
Belarusian gherkin F1
An excellent choice for gardeners in this region. The hybrid is distinguished by its complex resistance to diseases, productivity, and ease of care. Cucumbers up to 100 grams, tasty fresh and preserved.
Early cucumber varieties for Tatarstan
Many summer residents in this region grow crops directly on the ridges. Varieties that are resistant to temperature changes are suitable, as well as hybrids that do not require pollination.
Blizzard F1
A gift for lovers of early cucumbers, as it bears fruit within 35-37 days. Bred by St. Petersburg breeders, it showed good results in all regions of the country. Zelentsy are universally used, dark green with stripes. The contents are sweetish, juicy, without any hint of bitterness.
Vyatich F1
Cucumber from Turkish breeders (Yuksel seeds company), ripening in 40 days. Parthenocarpic, ovaries are formed in a bouquet. The fruits are smooth, with smooth skin and dense pulp. They weigh 120-150 grams, grow up to 14 cm. Very resistant to powdery mildew.
Ultra-early cucumbers for the middle zone
In this region, summer residents have experience in cultivating cucumbers of domestic and foreign selection. New generation varieties and hybrids produce stable yields and do not require special care.
Pro F1
The Dutch hybrid stands out for its powerful root system and friendly yield. During the growing period there was no decline in fruit formation, it is stable and resistant to adverse weather factors. Gherkin-type cucumbers, with sparse tubercles, have excellent taste. Suitable for pickling and canning.
On a note! After extreme situations, the plant quickly regenerates and continues to bear fruit.
Serpentine
A variety with powerful bushes, vines, female type of flowering. It is popular due to the excellent presentation of greens and excellent taste. Cucumbers ripen in 42-45 days. Length – 10-12 cm, juicy, with a characteristic aroma. Up to 15 kg of greens are collected from the bush. It stands out for its long yield, begins to bear fruit in June and finishes in 50-60 days.
Village pickle F1
The first harvest from this hybrid is harvested after 38 days, but more often stable fruiting begins from 42 days. Forms beautiful green fruits with small tubercles and white pubescence. In size - up to 7-10 cm in length, weighing 80-90 grams. When rolled into jars, they do not soften, retain their elastic structure, and are crunchy.
On a note! The hybrid is distinguished by an extended period of release of greens.
What to choose for gardeners in the Krasnodar region
Cucumbers are planted in the region, which successfully tolerate drought and extreme heat.
droplet
A popular variety among gardeners. Advantages:
- stable yield;
- early dates for harvesting greens (after 40-43 days);
- excellent presentation.
After harvesting, black-thorned fruits are stored for a long time and do not lose their taste.
Adam
It sets fruit well in conditions of prolonged drought and is not susceptible to infections. The fruits are finely tuberculate, smooth, up to 10 cm in length. The taste is pleasant, with a subtle sweetness. There is no bitterness. Suitable for all types of processing.
Early varieties for North-West Russia
In the areas of this region, varieties and hybrids that are resistant to temperature changes and high humidity grow successfully.
Snack bar
A popular variety among summer residents with good yield indicators. Requires pollination by insects; under favorable conditions, greens ripen in 42-44 days. Resistant to olive blight.
Ermolai
You will be pleased with tasty and juicy, void-free greens already on the 38-40th day. The fruits are juicy, with a crunch, and after picking, a new batch quickly grows. Resistant to temperature changes, produces a high yield in the garden.
Apogee
The bushes are medium-sized, climbing. Zelentsy are small, good taste. The skin is tuberous, with white fluff. The hybrid is slightly susceptible to disease and is distinguished by long-term fruiting.
Time-tested varieties
The cucumber crops Muromsky and Zozulya have been delighting Russian gardeners for decades. Their great advantage is that they are perfect for growing in any way. These varieties feel comfortable both in the greenhouse and on the windowsill in the apartment. The absence of any special requirements for planting and maintenance allows even a novice gardener to get a decent harvest.
Muromsky
The earliest varieties of tomatoes: how to get the first harvest in June
Due to its versatility, this early cucumber crop can be planted in the ground both as seedlings and as seeds. In the first option, the crop yield will be much higher, and fruiting will begin earlier. Seedlings intended for greenhouses begin to be grown in early and mid-April, and for open ground on May 1-15. Seeds are treated before planting:
- immersed in a 3% salt mixture (high-quality material will settle to the bottom);
- soak in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for thirty minutes;
- washed;
- Place in a warm place, wrapped in a damp cloth for 72 hours.
Important! Cucumber seedlings are difficult to tolerate picking, so the plants are immediately placed in separate containers.
There are no fundamental differences in the content of this variety in open or closed ground. The described cucumber variety is sensitive to humidity, therefore, if the Muromsky species is planted in a polycarbonate greenhouse, you need to consider an irrigation system.
The Muromsky variety will fit perfectly even on the smallest balcony. Despite their impressive length, the bushes are compact and do not take up much space. Fans of planting cucumbers in barrels also highly value this variety for its early ripening and abundant flowering.
Cucumber Muromsky
Muromsky is a variety with increased frost resistance, which makes it popular among gardeners in Siberia, the Urals and the Far East, but one should not neglect the use of film covering material during periods of possible frost.
Important! The Muromsky species requires timely collection of ripe fruits. Otherwise, the bushes will quickly turn yellow, and the crop will have an unsightly appearance.
This type of cucumber has a strong immunity against bacteriosis and powdery mildew, but cold moisture getting on the leaves (during watering or when dew falls) can have an extremely detrimental effect on the condition of the plant.
Zozulya
One of the most unpretentious types of cucumbers. Young seedlings or seeds are planted no earlier than the end of May. The vegetable is very sensitive to frost, therefore, even if you follow the rules for placing it in your garden plot, you should stock up on film or other covering material. When sowing seeds in a garden bed, they are placed in rows at a distance of 10 cm from each other. It is not recommended to bury the grains more than 3 centimeters. The distance between planting strips is at least 60 cm.
The Zozulya variety is very tall and is not suitable for low greenhouses. When planting cucumbers in an unheated greenhouse, the seeds are not soaked, and the soil is saturated with manure or compost. The first method is preferable, since the decomposition of such fertilizer occurs with a large release of heat and the formation of carbon dioxide.
Zozulya
Enterprising city residents often plant this variety not only in summer, but also in winter, providing additional lighting on cloudy days. Zozulya cucumber is also perfect for growing in a barrel.
Important! This cucumber crop is more susceptible to disease if it grows in a greenhouse. There the plant can be affected by melon aphids. The leaves will begin to turn yellow and fly off.
When choosing early and ultra-early cucumber varieties, you should not forget about options with a longer growing season, since they are more naturally resistant to negative natural manifestations and diseases, and their yield is higher than that of early-ripening and ultra-early-ripening cucumbers.
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Comparative table of early varieties
The huge selection of cucumbers sometimes confuses summer residents, as it is difficult to understand the variety of characteristics, features, and productivity indicators. It’s easier to navigate the list, which presents hybrids and varietal forms that have already proven themselves in practice.
Name | Ripening time (days) | Purpose | Productivity (in kg per 1 square meter) |
baby crane | 40-45 | Universal | 10-11 |
Moscow dude | 40-45 | Universal | 12-15 |
Boletus F1 | 43-45 | Universal | 12-14 |
Finger | 40-45 | Universal | 10-12 |
Miranda F1 | 42-44 | Universal | 6,3-7 |
Valdai | 45-48 | Canning | 14-16 |
Murashka F1 | 42-45 | Universal | 12 |
Semcross F1 | 42-46 | Universal | 10-12 |
Karaoke | 38-40 | Universal | 8-10 |
Sphinx F1 | 38-42 | Universal | 12-14 |
Delpina F1 | 39-41 | For pickling, salads | 12-14 |
Bidretta F1 | 25-30 (ultra-early) | Marinades, pickling, fresh | 5-8 |
Advance F1 | 38-42 | Universal | 12-14 |
By choosing early varieties and hybrids, even novice gardeners will harvest in a short time. These cucumbers are distinguished by their unpretentiousness, resistance to possible cold snaps, and excellent taste.