Not long ago, long-fruited (or simply long) cucumbers came into service with our gardeners. This variety quickly gained favor, since the yield of 1 such bush exceeds that of several shoots of species that have long been familiar to us. Large sweet fruits are well stored, retain their taste, the fruiting period of plants is quite long, and caring for them is not difficult. Of course, long cucumbers also have their drawbacks, and before planting you should weigh all the pros and cons several times. In this article we will look at all the nuances of growing this variety.
Characteristics and description of long-fruited varieties of cucumbers
Long-fruited cucumbers include several species that have similar characteristics, origins and cultivation specifics. All of them have massive branched shoots and form lush bushes, replacing 3-4 bushes of ordinary varieties. There are few stepchildren on them, so there are no problems with stepchildren. The vines grow a lot of dark green fleshy foliage and strong tendrils, so the plant “grabs” the support on its own, almost without outside help. The root system of long cucumbers, like their counterparts, is taprooted and poorly developed.
Most of these varieties are early ripening, even the latest ripening period does not exceed 55-60 days from the moment of germination . A full-fledged fruit from the ovary is formed quickly; throughout the entire growth, cucumbers retain their sweetness and never become bitter, the skin does not become rough, and remains soft and juicy. The shape and length of the greens is the main feature of the variety. The vegetables grow in an oblong shape, most often dark green in color (although there are also white-yellow subspecies among them), and their length varies from 25 to 60 centimeters. The peel is thin, the surface has either longitudinal depressions or small frequent tubercles.
Long-fruited cucumbers are not characterized by self-pollination; third-party factors participate in this process (in natural conditions, these are insects). Therefore, during the flowering period, it is recommended to carry out pollination by hand until the first ovaries are formed.
Vanguard F1
Select productive varieties of long-fruited cucumbers for greenhouses and open ground? Summer residents recommend paying attention to Avangard F1. This hybrid is characterized by a female type of flowering; the plant is characterized by powerful growth and a long growing season. The fruits are cylindrical and usually dark green in color. The skin is quite dense, with tubercles and small white pimples.
Peculiarities
Long cucumbers have a number of features that are largely determined by the region of their origin. Among these characteristics, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. First of all, you should understand the disadvantages of long varieties so that this does not become an unpleasant surprise later.
Country of origin
The historical homeland of all long-fruited varieties of cucumbers is East Asia, or rather southeastern China. This region has created the most comfortable climate for ripening large vegetables. Later, when demand for this product increased, Chinese breeders developed about 10 varieties suitable for different environmental conditions. For this reason, long cucumbers are often called Chinese, although this is not entirely true - some of them (for example, Zozulya) were bred by our scientists on the basis of foreign varieties.
Zozulya
To prevent cucumbers from taking root more easily, choose the right varieties. For the temperate zone, Zozulya or the Chinese cold-resistant hybrid F1 (has good reviews) are best suited, and for the southern regions of Russia the Chinese heat-resistant F1.
Advantages and disadvantages
Undoubtedly, long cucumbers have a number of significant advantages, otherwise they would not have been able to gain such popularity among farmers. Their first advantage is high yield, independent of weather conditions and day length. Their second quality is considered to be unpretentiousness in care and resistance to diseases, including yellowness disease. If planted correctly, cucumbers will not cause you any problems. Long varieties actively branch, but do not produce non-fruiting stepsons. Another important fact is the ability to adapt to the climatic conditions of any region. The advantage of long-fruited cucumbers is their high yield
Before you grow cucumbers of this variety in your garden, you need to know about their disadvantages. Remember about the poor germination of seeds; out of 10, only 3-4 can hatch. Long-fruited species require a lot of space - the bushes branch heavily and interfere with neighboring plants, as a result of which their growth is inhibited. Think in advance for what purpose you are going to grow cucumbers, because it is difficult to pickle such long Zelentsy, and even more difficult to transport intact (the thickness of the fruit does not exceed 4-6 cm, which makes them extremely fragile). Long-fruited cucumber varieties have poor seed germination.
Read about varieties of cucumbers for pickling here.
Before planting, leave the seeds in warm water for several days until young shoots emerge. Plant 2 seeds per hole in soil or cups. This way you will ensure germination, and excess plants can be thinned out.
How to choose the right seeds for seedlings
When choosing a cucumber variety, you need to know certain nuances. Before purchasing, you should consider the following features:
- what exactly a particular variety of cucumber is intended for;
- type of pollination;
- productivity;
- fruiting dates.
These are the main characteristics you need to know before buying seeds. In addition, it must be remembered that the varieties of this vegetable are divided into hybrid and varietal.
New offspring cannot be grown from hybrid varieties. This is only possible with seedlings of varietal cucumbers - only in this case the characteristics of vegetables can be inherited.
Growing
Growing long-fruited cucumbers is not much different from the varieties we are used to like Meringue or Courage. Read about the Kurazh cucumber variety here. This is a melon crop and it needs high beds, the basis of which is a “cushion” of manure and humus. It is better to start laying beds in the fall, so that organic matter begins to decompose and “burn” by the time seedlings or seeds are planted. During the active growing season, it is necessary to ensure regular watering, the soil should be moist and loose. Systematic application of fertilizing (both organic and mineral) will prolong the fruiting period and improve the taste of the fruit. However, crops grown in greenhouses and open ground have their own subtleties.
Read about how to properly grow cucumbers in a greenhouse in this material.
To obtain a large yield, add mineral and organic fertilizers to the soil
In the open ground
The main thing for long cucumbers in open ground is soil rich in organic fertilizers. The watering schedule depends on the weather, but it is recommended to do it twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Feeding is carried out three times per season.
Read about fertilizers for cucumbers at the link.
In order for long-fruited cucumbers to bring maximum yield, it is necessary:
- plant plants in well-warmed soil;
- arrange a frame for a vertical garter (the fruits should under no circumstances touch the ground);
- when choosing fertilizer, give preference to organic fertilizers;
- regular weeding;
- ensuring a constant temperature for young shoots (cover the seedlings at night with film).
As a top dressing, use an infusion of manure or chicken droppings mixed in a 1:1 ratio with a herbal decoction. Before watering, dilute the infusion with water and pour 1.5 liters per bush.
In the greenhouse
A greenhouse is a better option for growing long-fruited cucumbers, since here you can ensure constant temperature and air humidity. Setting the correct vertical direction for the vines in such conditions is also much easier, and organic fertilizers applied in the fall will be sufficient for most of the season (but additional minerals will have to be added).
When irrigating in the evening, the greenhouse is ventilated. For ventilation, only the upper vents are used, since a draft in a greenhouse with cucumbers is unacceptable.
Also recommended:
- water once a day in the evening;
- in the morning, open the windows and doors of the greenhouse to ventilate the room (do not forget to close it at night);
- apply mineral fertilizers (potassium nitrate, wood ash, urea);
- remove yellowed and withered shoots so that rot does not spread and excess moisture is not retained;
- constantly loosen the soil.
Don't plant long cucumbers too often. Place the holes 50-60 cm from each other so that the bushes do not intertwine and interfere with each other’s growth.
Chinese cucumbers
This subspecies of long cucumbers deserves a separate story. The group includes Chinese varieties and hybrids, as well as domestically bred cucumbers. Many people are interested in the name of this or that variety of long cucumbers, what their “advantages” are, and whether they are tasty.
They differ from ordinary cucumbers that are familiar to all of us in a number of ways:
- herbaceous very long stem;
- long fruits (can grow up to 90-120 cm);
- pulp of unusual taste (with melon, watermelon and other aromas).
These are mainly salad hybrids, although our summer residents successfully preserve and pickle them.
Hybrids of Chinese selection
Alligator F1
A hybrid of Chinese selection, it is distinguished by early fruiting and excellent taste of the fruit.
Grown in greenhouses, pollination by insects is required. Greens are cylindrical in shape, very interesting in appearance, up to 40 cm long. The skin is very thin, the flesh is aromatic and juicy.
Feature of the hybrid: it can be affected by downy mildew; mandatory prevention is required.
Chinese heat resistant F1
Do you want to see a cucumber half a meter long? Then you should opt for the Chinese heat-resistant hybrid. It is distinguished not only by its unusual fruits, but also by its high yield, excellent taste, and resistance to disease.
The ripening time for greens is up to 52-54 days.
The bush most often has only one main stem, the branching is weak. The greens are long and thin, with delicate skin, very sweet. The surface of cucumbers is covered with small tubercles. Length – from 30 to 50 cm.
Chinese snakes
Among early hybrids, this one stands out for its ultra-earliness - up to 37 days. This most unusual variety is grown mainly in greenhouses, on trellises.
The fruits are very long, curved, up to 60 cm long. Fruiting is long, the yield is high.
Like many hybrids bred in China, Chinese snakes are very resistant to many diseases. This is an undoubted “plus” of such cucumbers, allowing even inexperienced gardeners to successfully grow them.
From one “square” you can remove up to 15 kg of “snakes” - delicious, sweet, crispy. Mainly used for salads.
Chinese miracle F1
A long, smooth cucumber (up to 45 cm long) – isn’t it a miracle? The hybrid deserves only positive reviews, and even those who were at first somewhat skeptical about growing it are very pleased.
Forms powerful bushes, medium foliage. Zelentsy are long with thin dark green skin. From one square meter you can collect (subject to good care) up to 15 kg of greens. The taste is high, the flesh is sweet. Universal use.
Chinese cold-resistant F1
Many regions of Russia have a rather harsh climate that is not particularly suitable for growing this crop. But there are hybrids that will successfully “overcome” all adversity and hardships and will delight you with an excellent harvest. The Chinese cold-resistant hybrid F1 is exactly like this: it is not afraid of frost, bears fruit well in shaded conditions, and is resistant to such scourges as fusarium and powdery mildew. Ripening period – up to 55 days.
Zelentsy reach a length of 50 cm, the taste is sweet. They are good in salads and canned food.
Productivity
As already mentioned, the yield of long cucumbers is their main advantage. From one bush you can harvest up to 10-15 kg of vegetables per season. Cucumber of the Zozulya variety can produce up to 20 kg of fruit per square meter. For maximum yield, you need to ensure proper growth and development of shoots. As soon as 5-6 true leaves are formed, it is necessary to “blind” the vine, that is, remove the top along with the upper leaves and tendrils. This will allow the bush to grow more ovaries, and will also reduce the number of non-fruiting shoots.
Long-fruited cucumbers are not capable of self-pollination, so to ensure productivity, pollination will have to be carried out manually. Using a cotton sponge or soft cloth, transfer pollen from flower to flower (keep in mind that female flowers grow more often on the main vine, and male flowers on the side ones).
Description of the hybrid
Cucumber lyutoyar f1, description, reviews and photos of which we are considering. It is parthenocarpic and does not require pollination by bees, which is important when grown in greenhouses. In greens of this variety, seed development practically does not occur; they look very attractive.
Almost every ovary forms a green plant; a powerful plant can ensure the normal simultaneous development of 15-20 fruits. Timely harvesting of fruits and properly organized storage allow them to withstand long-distance transportation.
Lyutoyar F1 is an indeterminate plant; the bushes are powerful, with medium branching and short internodes. In each leaf axil, semi-bouquet ovaries are formed, 3 or 4, flowers of the female type. The bulk of the fruits are formed on the central stem; pinching the side shoots reduces the load on the bushes.
It should be borne in mind that heterotic hybrids, which can be distinguished by the presence of F1 in the name, show their best qualities in the first generation. Those. There is no point in collecting seeds from your own harvest; you will have to buy them annually.
Lyutoyar is resistant to stress that causes sudden changes in temperature, it does not shed its ovaries and bears fruit even if it is + 50 C outside. With a seasonal decrease in temperature (August - early September), fruiting also continues.
When planting, you should take into account the dimensions of the plants; there should be no more than 2-3 bushes per 1 meter of trellis.
Diseases and pests of long cucumbers
A big advantage of long cucumbers is their resistance to the most common diseases - powdery mildew and downy mildew. But their large, fragile fruits are often subject to olive brown spot - this is a fungus that affects cucumbers while still in the ovary, both in a greenhouse and in open ground. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the soil; in soil that is too wet and dense, plants are affected by root rot. Remember that strong, healthy plants resist diseases better, that is, proper care (weeding, fertilizing, proper watering and drainage) will protect you from these misfortunes.
With downy mildew, the foliage becomes covered with angular spots. A grayish, purple or whitish coating appears on the underside of the affected leaf.
The most common pest of cucumbers in our country is aphids. Along with spider mites, this insect infects the leaves of the plant, which slows down its growth and fruit formation. Also, long cucumbers suffer from whitefly, the larvae of which damage the lower parts of the shoots. To prevent damage from pests, constantly monitor the condition of the plants (paying attention to the underside of the leaf blade).
Wood ash is a wonderful remedy for diseases and pests - sprinkle it on the shoots in the evening after watering. You can also spray the plants with a decoction of nettle or onion peel. And watering with such tinctures will strengthen and protect the roots.
Hybrids of domestic selection (Chinese cucumbers)
Emerald Flow F1
A wonderful hybrid from the group of Chinese long-fruited cucumbers is Emerald Flow F1, which is the result of the work of domestic breeders.
The hybrid is resistant to temperature changes and cold snaps, and produces excellent yields in open ground. It is recommended to grow on trellises so that long, up to 45-50 cm, green plants do not lie on the ground.
The time from germination to harvesting the first cucumbers is 45-48 days. The greens have a very thin skin, the surface is lumpy, and the flesh is very sweet and tasty. Used for salads.
conclusions
Long-fruited cucumbers (name, variety may be called) are a godsend for farmers who want to get a high yield. Like other varieties, this species has a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing. Also, those who plan to pickle cucumbers should not plant them. Long varieties are suitable only for fresh consumption. Growing is not much different from the process familiar to gardeners, but it has some nuances that will improve yields.
Read about how to properly water cucumbers to increase yield in this article.
Baby F1
The long-fruited Baby F1 cucumber is characterized by increased resistance to such common viral diseases as cucumber mosaic, powdery mildew and cladosporiosis. Among the advantages of the hybrid, gardeners note its high yield and rather long growing season. In terms of ripening time, cucumbers can be classified as early; their growth rates are average. The cucumbers themselves are long and smooth; if all the care and fertilizing features are followed, the vegetables can reach a length of 16-18 centimeters. During long-term storage and long-term transportation, Baby F1 retains its excellent commercial qualities and excellent taste.
Pickling varieties
If you want to make cucumber pickles for the winter, choose varieties with thin skin and small size. Pickling and pickling cucumbers, in short, are thicker than salad cucumbers and have more spines, either white or black, and dry flesh that allows them to absorb more brine without turning into a nasty mess in a jar or barrel.
Cucumbers with black thorns are perfect for pickling for the winter. Which ones have better brine penetration? But at the same time, they do not form voids inside themselves during the fermentation of the brine. In Ukraine and Belarus they are most common.
In a polycarbonate greenhouse, pickling varieties and hybrids (the best) will be:
- "English Standard" F1;
- "Chord" F1;
- "Quartet" F1;
- "Platinum" F1;
- "Corporal Zbruev" F1;
- "Courage" F1.
Early varieties
Summer residents who want to get the main harvest as quickly as possible after planting seedlings choose early-ripening and ultra-early varieties and hybrids. Unfortunately, fruiting ends quickly, and their fertility decreases, often disappearing after a month.
But you can also find those who take a long time to tie cucumbers on their lashes. And you can “purchase” the first collection of fragrant cucumbers from such hybrids and varieties already 35-49 days after sowing the sprouted seeds. Popular cucumber hybrids, early and ultra-early, among summer residents will be:
- Anzor F1;
- Chord F1;
- Quick start F1;
- Herman F1;
- Red mullet F1.
But there are few varieties for greenhouses. The earliest of them can be found, but they need a bee!
Recipes for delicious salads with cucumbers
Salads made from fresh cucumbers are always in demand, because they are tasty and juicy, charge you with energy and provide nutritious moisture. We offer several interesting and popular salads.
Fresh cucumber salad with meat
This salad turns out very tasty and satisfying. And it is very easy to prepare.
You will need : 300 g of any meat (fillet), 2 cucumbers, sour cream, mayonnaise, 2 cloves of garlic, herbs (dill, parsley) to taste.
Cooking . Boil the meat until cooked, cool and cut into strips. Also cut the cucumbers into strips. Prepare dressing from 1 tbsp. sour cream, 2 tbsp. mayonnaise and 2 cloves of garlic, chop the greens. Mix chopped meat, cucumber, chopped herbs and dressing.
Salad “Green Summer”
An excellent budget option. Suitable for those occasions when guests suddenly arrive and there is practically nothing in the refrigerator.
You will need : 3 eggs, 3 cucumbers, lettuce, mayonnaise, herbs (dill, parsley) for decoration.
Cooking . Boil the eggs until cooked, cool them and cut them into small cubes. Peel the cucumbers and also cut them into cubes. Wash the lettuce leaves, dry them and tear them with your hands (!). Mix all ingredients, add salt and season with mayonnaise.
Spicy Cucumber Salad
This salad with fresh cucumber is incredibly easy to prepare, but due to the combination of ingredients it turns out to have a very interesting taste - simple and piquant.
You will need : 2 large cucumbers, 1 onion, 1 clove of garlic, 0.5 tbsp. wine vinegar, 2 tbsp. olive oil, herbs (dill, parsley) for decoration.
Cooking . Cut the cucumbers into thin slices, and a medium-sized onion into half rings. Chop the garlic and mix the ingredients. Season them with wine vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper.
Salad with cucumber and cheese “Light”
It will take a minimum of time and ingredients to prepare the dish, and the result will be excellent.
You will need : 3 cucumbers, 1 egg, 100 g cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tbsp. mayonnaise, herbs (dill, parsley) to taste.
Cooking . Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and cut into slices. Boil the egg until tender, cool, peel and cut into cubes. Grate the cheese on a coarse grater, leave a little to decorate the salad. Wash the greens (dill, green onions or parsley) thoroughly and chop finely. Mix all ingredients, add pressed garlic, mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste, stir. Before serving, decorate the salad with herbs and cheese.
Salad with cucumbers and tuna “In 5 minutes”
This salad is suitable even for a festive feast. It's easy and quick to prepare, and it turns out delicious and satisfying.
You will need : 2 cucumbers, 1 can of tuna, canned in its own juice, 1 can of beans in its own juice, 1 can of canned peas, 1 clove of garlic, 2 packs of ready-made rye crackers, mayonnaise to taste.
Cooking . Place tuna, beans and canned peas in a bowl. Wash the cucumbers and chop finely. Chop the garlic and pass through a press. Mix all ingredients, add 2 packs of rye crackers, season with mayonnaise. Mix the salad thoroughly and serve.
Choosing the right variety of cucumbers for a salad is very simple, and preparing an appetizing dish from them is even easier. Follow our advice and make your loved ones happy.
Hello, dear gardeners! Along with standard-sized cucumbers, many of you grow gherkins and long-fruited cucumbers on your plots. The variety of the latter allows you to choose varieties of long cucumbers that differ in terms of ripening, fruit shape, and purpose.
