Cucumbers Zena F1: characteristics, planting and care rules

• Updated: April 16, 2019

Cucumber is a crop that is grown in almost any garden and is easy to care for. Thanks to the essential oils that make up the fruit, it has a delicate taste, can be consumed in its pure form, added to many salad recipes, and used for preservation. Zena cucumbers contain vitamins, including ascorbic acid, carotene, organic acids and trace elements, and consist of more than 90% water.

Cucumber Athena f1

Self-pollinating (parthenocarpic) hybrid from the Dutch agricultural company Nunems. Registered in the State Register of Russia in 2008 for the North Caucasus region. The first mature greens are harvested 39–50 days after emergence. The variety is cultivated in open ground, a regular or heated greenhouse, greenhouse, as well as in tunnels under film.

Attention! Athena f1 is suitable for growing at home, but only with additional lighting (at least 14 hours of daylight).

The bushes are medium-sized, indeterminate with weak branching, the bulk of the crop is formed on the central stem, male flowers are not formed. Greens are from 9 to 13 cm in length, smooth with large, frequent tubercles, green skin with light green, blurred stripes. The spines are white in average quantity. The weight of commercial cucumbers is 70–105 g. Main advantages:

• up to 20 kg of crop is harvested from each m²;
• greens tolerate transportation well;
• high commercial qualities;
• The purpose of the hybrid is salad, but it is suitable for winter preparations;
• immunity to mosaic, MR, cladosporiosis;
• tasting score 5 points, the flesh is sweetish.

The hybrid continues to bear fruit until a significant autumn cooling, but towards the end of the growing season there are fewer green plants. The only negative is that it is relatively resistant to plant-based diseases, following the rules of agricultural technology and additional preventive treatments will help to avoid problems. Grow a bush with 1 stem, the recommended planting density is 3–3.5 plants per m².

Brief description of the hybrid

Cucumber Zena F1 is a parthenocarpic hybrid with good development of the root system. These properties make it possible to grow vegetables in open ground in the south and in protected beds in regions with a late frost retreat.

The plant stem does not stop growing throughout the entire growing season. The rate of extension of the central lash is average. Side shoots form slowly. 1–2 fruits are formed in the ovary.

The cucumber has a dark green skin with a glossy sheen. There are irregularities on its surface, but the fruit is not lumpy. The vegetable is aromatic, with a sweetish taste completely devoid of bitterness.

Cucumber General f1

The originator is the agricultural company Ural Summer Resident, the hybrid is early ripening, the first greens are harvested 35–45 days after seed germination. Bush more than 2 m in height, climbing. When the main stem is overloaded with crops, the side branches do not grow or are weakly formed. Active branching begins after the main part of the harvest is harvested. Male flowers are not formed, but female flowers are collected in bouquets at nodes, in each of them 8–12 green flowers are formed.

The cucumbers are uniform, of regular shape, green, from 10 to 13 cm, weighing 75–105 g. The skin is thin, the flesh, although not dense, is very crunchy, the seeds are small, there is no hollowness. The taste is without bitterness, refreshing, bright aroma. The tubercles are often located or medium, large. Zelentsy are good fresh and suitable for various winter preparations. Positive qualities of the hybrid:

• cultivation in all regions;
• immunity to fungi, viruses, bacteria, low and high temperatures, as well as sudden changes in weather;
• ovaries are formed before autumn frosts;
• yield from 24 to 39 kg per m², in the greenhouse the figures increase;
• bunched fruit set and uniform ripening;
• universal purpose;
• marketability and good taste.

There are no downsides, but the hybrid is very demanding on growing conditions and bears fruit well only in illuminated areas with nutritious, loose soil. Fertilizing is carried out throughout the growing season every 10–15 days. The plant is formed into 1 stem and sent along the trellis. Planting density is 2 seedlings per m²; when thickened, the yield is low.

Cucumber Zena characteristics and description of the variety

Agricultural technology used in growing Zena cucumbers. The use of agricultural technology depends on the degree of maturity of the crop. The growing season is divided into:

• Early ripening varieties, ripening cycle up to 45 days;
• Mid-season, ripen in 46 - 50 days;
• Late varieties, ripening after 50 days.

Preparing the soil for planting cucumbers begins in the fall. To do this, add 3 – 4 buckets of rotted manure and a glass of wood ash per 1 m2. In the spring, mineral fertilizers consisting of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are added at the rate of 30 g per 1 m2 of land.

The optimal temperature for seed germination and development of cucumbers is +25-30 degrees. At temperatures below +15 degrees, the ripening process stops, the plant weakens, which contributes to the appearance of diseases. In the northern regions, the crop is grown on ridges or ridges arranged along fences or trees, protecting the plant from the winds.

The Zena cucumber is considered promising, and, most importantly, a wonderful representative for growing in extremely critical heat in open ground. Because it easily tolerates drought. In addition, it ripens very early; approximately 1-1.5 months pass from planting to the appearance of the first fruits.

And if you start growing this plant in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed and the ground has warmed up a little to 11-13 degrees, this is around March or April, then it is best to do this under a film in a greenhouse, so that you can As a result, get a large amount of early harvest. In the summer, in July or in warmer climates, it is best to plant in open areas.

Moreover, from 1 sq. m you can easily collect up to 3 kg of delicious dark green, cylindrical smooth fruits of the highest quality with a high content of vitamins, approximately 16 cm long, and weighing 100 - 140 cm.

The taste is incredibly sweet, without any bitterness. They are also disease-resistant, because the seeds must undergo chemical treatment with thiram, and they do not need to be soaked. The ripe vegetable can be used both fresh and for preservation, because it is an incredibly juicy and amazing salad cucumber.

The ridges are formed 1 meter wide, the seeds are planted in two rows to a depth of 3-4 cm. The seed material is pre-soaked in a disinfecting solution of potassium permanganate. The heat-loving plant is easy to care for, but does not tolerate drought. To avoid getting burned by the leaves, watering is required early in the morning and in the evening when the sun sets. For every 1 m2 during periods of stable weather with high temperatures, at least 10 liters are needed. water.

In order for oxygen to reach the roots of the plant and moisture to evaporate, the soil is loosened in a timely manner. To develop and increase the nutritional properties of fruits, fertilize with mineral fertilizers every two weeks: 30 g of ammonium nitrate, 20 g of potassium salt and 40 g of superphosphate, or 1 glass of ash per 10 liters. water.

How is the harvest carried out?

1. The frequency of harvesting fruits depends on the speed of their ripening. The first cucumbers are usually harvested at intervals of 2-3 days. In order to prevent cucumbers from overripening and not to inhibit the formation and development of new ones, during the period of germination of a large mass of fruits, harvesting is carried out every day.
2. Ugly, damaged fruits are also removed to avoid contracting diseases.
3. When harvesting, cucumbers are cut with pruning shears or garden shears, keeping the stalk on the vines. Twisting and tearing off the cucumber weakens the plant. Also, do not trample or damage the vines on which cucumbers form.
4. Freshly picked fruits should be placed in a cool place, covered with a thick cloth.

Methods for storing cucumbers. To ensure that cucumbers are stored longer and do not lose their nutritional and commercial qualities, they are placed in thick plastic bags, tied and stored at a temperature of +15 degrees Celsius for about a month.

Cucumber Hercules f1

A hybrid that sets fruit without pollination by insects and other varieties. The author is the Dutch company Rijk Zwaan, entered into the plant register of the Russian Federation in 2013, approved for cultivation in all regions in exhaust zones, film tunnels, under temporary shelter and in greenhouses. From the formation of the first true leaves on the seedlings to the harvesting of the greens, approximately 48–53 days pass. Pros:

• yield from 14 to 26 kg per m²;
• tasting score 5 points;
• there is no hollowness or bitterness;
• good taste;
• extended fruiting;
• immunity to MR and drought.

Attention!

Thanks to their dense, but not hard skin, Hercules f1 cucumbers do not lose their presentation for a long time and are not damaged during transportation.

Among the disadvantages is the average resistance to viruses, especially to mosaic, olive spot and LMR. It is a salad hybrid; with any heat treatment, the cucumbers become soft. The plant is medium-sized, weakly branched, flowering is predominantly female. There are no more than 2 fruits in the axils. Zelentsy are 16–20 cm long, weighing from 90 to 150 g, smooth, elongated, green with a lighter nose, medium-sized tubercles.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Culture

The cucumber attracts many farmers with its shape. As you can see in the photo, most of the fruits are perfectly even. However, the main advantages of culture are the following:

1. Cucumber does not reduce the rate of fruiting in hot weather.
2. Fruit formation does not require insects.
3. The transportability and keeping quality of the vegetable are high.
4. A gardener can plant a cucumber in the spring or summer.
5. The variety is immune to diseases that are destructive to most vegetable crops.
6. Sweetish and refreshing taste of the fruit.

Among the disadvantages of culture are:

• the need to annually purchase hybrid seeds for sowing;
• low yield compared to most hybrid varieties;
• limited range of vegetable uses.

Attention! Cucumber Zena F1 is not suitable for canning and pickling due to the characteristic structure of the skin. There are no tubercles with spikes on it, which facilitate the penetration of brine into the fruit.

Cucumber Dubrovsky f1

The hybrid from Gavrish was included in the plant register of the Russian Federation in 2009 and is approved for cultivation in all regions, even the coldest. The variety is cultivated in exhaust gas, greenhouses and under film. Zelentsy ripen early (35–40 days). The Dubrovsky cucumber is not afraid of sudden cold snaps, significant changes in day and night temperatures, and can withstand heat and drought. Advantages:

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• tasting score 5 points;
• fertility (up to 16 kg per m²);
• immunity to fusarium, MR, cladosporiosis and LMR;
• versatility in application;
• absence of voids and bitterness;
• fruiting before significant cooling.

The downside of the hybrid is its increased demands on soil fertility; the planting site is fertilized during autumn digging, and fertilizing is carried out until the last harvest is harvested. The plant is medium branched, the formed bushes remain compact. Flowering is female, with 2–4 ovaries in each axil. The fruits are cylindrical, from 9 to 13 cm long, weighing about 123 g. The skin is thin, green, tuberculate, white thorns in small quantities.

Cucumber variety Zena F1

The salad cucumber variety Zena F1 was bred in Japan in the laboratory of the seed company Sakata. In Russia, vegetable crops began to be cultivated in all regions for no more than ten years. To obtain a rich harvest, it is recommended to grow a hybrid crop in a greenhouse. The plant has its own characteristics. Before purchasing seeds, read the description and characteristics of the variety.

Description of the plant

The Zena cucumber hybrid is a parthenocarpic type of vegetable crop. It can be grown both in an open garden bed in the southern part of Russia and in a greenhouse in the North. Bushes of indeterminate type. Side shoots form slowly, which allows the plant to spend energy on setting fruit rather than green mass. 1-2 greens grow under one node leaf. Fruit ripening occurs 38-42 days after germination of planting material. Flowering type: female.

The fruits are dark green. The surface is smooth, shiny, minor vertical irregularities can be traced throughout the skin of the cucumber. The pulp is juicy, slightly crunchy. The taste is sweetish, bitterness is completely absent. The weight of the fruit reaches 110-125 g. The length of a ready-to-eat cucumber is 15-16 cm. The shape resembles an elongated cylinder. Vegetables are intended for fresh consumption. Not suitable as a material for canning. The yield per 1 m² is 10-12 kg.

Fact!

Greens of the Zena variety are not prone to deformation.

The vegetable crop is resistant to all varieties of powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus. The plant is moderately resistant to other diseases. To boost your immunity you need:

1. Before sowing seeds, soak them in a solution based on the drug Fitosporin. Preparation of the mixture for soaking: take half a teaspoon of the drug and dissolve it in 1 liter of water at room temperature.
2. Before flowering, spray the plants with Trichodermin (40 ml per 10 liters of warm water).
3. Water the bushes with warm water. Irrigation with cold water can cause root rot.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cucumber is mainly grown in spring for fresh consumption. Farmers everywhere grow the hybrid for sale.

Agricultural technology and care

It is recommended to grow the first generation hybrid using the seedling method. Sow seeds in peat pots with nutritious substrate. The planting depth is 2-3 cm. The diameter of the pots must be at least 10 cm. The seeds must germinate under the following conditions: air temperature +22-25°C, and air humidity 70%. It is necessary to transfer the pots to the soil or greenhouse on the 20-25th day, when the first 4-5 leaves are formed. The soil must be nutritious and moist.

It is necessary to water the plants as the soil dries out. In a greenhouse, the soil dries out more slowly, so it needs to be irrigated every 3-4 days. To feed during the flowering period, use a nutrient mixture based on 500 g of crushed wood ash, 20 g of potassium salt, 20 g of superphosphate and 15 liters of warm water.

Reviews

Vegetable growers speak very positively about the Zena F1 variety. The main advantage is the delicious fruits. But to prevent the cucumbers from becoming watery, you should not over-moisten the soil. The variety is resistant to diseases. In most regions it is grown only in spring for fresh consumption. It is not suitable for pickling, since the skin does not allow the brine to penetrate deep into the pulp.

Cucumber Zena f1

The author is the Japanese company Sakata. The parthenocarpic hybrid has been registered in the plant register of the Russian Federation since 2009. The variety is cultivated in all areas, in greenhouses and greenhouses. The first greens are harvested 30–45 days after seed germination. The bush is medium-sized with a small number of side shoots. The fruits are cylindrical, from 8 to 15 cm long, green, smooth with a small number of white, small spines. Weight of cucumbers is 90–160 g. Pros:

• compactness of bushes;
• good, sweet taste without bitterness;
• resistance to elevated temperatures, drought;
• immunity to mosaic, MR and LMR.

On a note!

The skin is thin, but the greens tolerate transportation well and last in the refrigerator for about 10 days.

Cucumber Zena f1 is inferior to the already described hybrids in yield; no more than 12 kg are harvested from each m² of plantings. The variety is intended exclusively for salads; in any winter preparations, the fruits become shapeless and soft. The hybrid normally bears fruit only in loose, fertile sandy loams and loams. Recommended planting pattern is 50x50 cm.

Pros and cons of the variety

The Zena variety of cucumbers is used fresh for preparing salads. The hybrid is not suitable for preservation due to the absence of spiked tubercles on the surface. When prepared, greens lose their shape and pulp structure.

The first harvest is harvested after 35-38 days. Cucumber Zena is classified as an ultra-early variety. The yield of the hybrid reaches 10-12 kg per 1 m².

pros

Description of the positive characteristics of the variety:

1. pleasant taste;
2. attractive shape;
3. transportability;
4. keeping quality of fruits up to 10 days;
5. stable fruiting in any weather;
6. rapid ripening of the crop;
7. resistance to many diseases;
8. compact formation of bushes.

Minuses

Description of the disadvantages of cucumber Zena F1:

1. low yields;
2. limited use of fruits.

Cucumber Ks 90 f1

A hybrid from the Japanese agricultural company Kitano, popular in all regions of Russia. Cucumbers ripen early. The bush is indeterminate, powerful, produces a large number of lateral branches, and there are many ovaries (2–5 in the axil). Cucumbers are cylindrical, aligned, from 7 to 13 cm long, green, with large tubercles with white spines. The flesh is crisp, without voids or bitterness, the skin is tender. Advantages of the variety:

• tasting score 5 points;
• versatility in use;
• long fruiting;
• absence of non-marketable cucumbers (shapeless);
• thorns fall off easily;
• immunity to MR and LMR, adverse weather.

The variety is undemanding, but good results can only be achieved when grown in 1–3 stems. The lashes must be allowed to run along the trellis, and the greens are collected daily. Plants are fed once every 10–15 days from planting until autumn. The hybrid has a disadvantage - poor resistance to mosaic, so before planting the land is disinfected and crop rotation is observed. The planting scheme is chosen freely; excess shoots and leaves that thicken the bushes are regularly cut off.

Cucumber variety Taganay F1

The originator of the hybrid is the Russian company Ural Summer Resident. Breeders were able to cross different varieties without resorting to gene modification. The variety can be cultivated in any region of the Russian Federation. Ripening period is early. The first fruits appear 37-39 days after the first leaf appears.

Description of the plant

The bushes are strongly climbing, the main stem grows slowly. A large number of female-type ovaries are formed on the side shoots, which guarantees high productivity. The plants are parthenocarpic, so there is no need to worry about flower pollination. The leaves are green with light green veins, medium in size, heart-shaped. The leaves are attached to the shoots by a long petiole. Up to 3 cucumbers are formed in one node.

Zelentsy grow cylindrical, leveled. The length of ripe fruits does not exceed 10 cm and 105 g. The skin is dark green with white stripes at the end. Large tubercles with small white spines can be traced across the entire surface of the fruit. The pulp is dense, without bitterness, and is not prone to the formation of voids. The yield per 1 m² is 11-12 kg. Universal use. Fruiting is friendly.

Important!

It is necessary to remove fruits once every two days.

The gene set of the plant will protect against common fungal and viral diseases. The vegetable crop easily tolerates drought and prolonged rains. The fruits of the plant are not prone to rotting. The marketable qualities of vegetables are preserved for up to 10 days after harvesting from the garden. During transportation they do not lose their appearance or taste.

Advantages and disadvantages

Taganay is included in the list of the best hybrid varieties of Russian selection.

Agricultural technology and care

Plants love space. The beds cannot be thickened. Plant no more than three bushes per 1 m². In greenhouse conditions, it can be planted throughout the year. In the garden beds, the originators recommend sowing cucumbers throughout May. Plants like soil with a neutral pH. Before flowering appears, it is advisable to water the vegetable crop with warm water.

Reviews

The Taganay variety has become a favorite of hundreds of thousands of gardeners throughout Russia, thanks to its high fruit yield and plant endurance. Grows in any conditions. To increase yields, gardeners advise increasing the frequency of fertilizing.

Cucumber Lisa f1

Mid-late hybrid from the agricultural company Aelita. It takes 50–55 days from the appearance of the first true leaves to the harvest of mature greens; in a greenhouse, the crop ripens faster. Included in the register of plants of the Russian Federation in 2008, approved for cultivation in all areas, in open and closed ground, as well as under film. The variety is immune to all common crop diseases. Positive characteristics:

• versatility;
• absence of non-commercial greens;
• fruit set before frost;
• absence of bitterness and hollowness.

Attention!

Cucumber Lisa f1 is parthenocarpic, sets greens without pollination by insects and other varieties.

The bush is tall, medium-climbing. Zelentsy 80–100 g each, up to 9–11 cm long, green, smooth, highly lumpy. The pubescence is white and abundant. The pulp is crispy, sweetish, aromatic. When grown under cover, up to 32 kg of harvest per m² is harvested; in open air, the figures are half as much. It is not advisable to grow the variety on the ground, and only a free planting scheme is suitable.

Features of agricultural technology

It is recommended to grow cucumber using the seedling method. The seedlings are ready to move to the garden bed after the formation of the 5th leaf. Basic rules of agricultural technology:

• cucumber can be planted in spring and summer;
• calculation of the time for sowing seeds depends on the planned fruiting period (it must be taken into account that the seedlings must reach 25 days of age, and the cucumber will ripen in 38 - 42 days);
• to obtain a harvest in early June, seedlings are placed in film greenhouses;
• planting in late spring or summer is done in open ground;
• per 1 m² there are up to 4 bushes;
• The cucumber should be protected from deformation using a trellis.

Cucumber Mazai f1

A hybrid from the agricultural company Manul, registered in the plant register of the Russian Federation since 1998 in the Central region, recommended for growing in unprotected soil and under film. The variety is parthenocarpic and begins to bear fruit 45–48 days after germination. The type of flowering is predominantly female; the greens ripen together and set before a significant fall in temperature. Pros:

• versatility in use;
• tasting score 5 points;
• yield of marketable products 98–100%;
• immunity to mosaic, spotting, MR, LMR and rot.

The bush is indeterminate, climbing. Zelentsy are up to 14 cm long, green, cylindrical, there are few tubercles, but they are large. The weight of mature cucumbers is about 90–140 g. The skin is thin, the flesh is crisp, there is no hollowness. With insufficient watering or using cold water, a barely noticeable bitterness appears. Leave at least 50 cm between the bushes, do not allow thickening, form a plant with a maximum of 2 stems, and lead it along a trellis.

Description and characteristics of the variety

The bushes of the hybrid are strong and powerful, their roots are well developed. When flowering, the plant does not need pollination by bees. The fruits can be harvested 38-45 days from the date of seed germination.

Zelentsy reach 10-14 cm in length. The skin is glossy, devoid of tubercles. The pulp is very tasty and juicy, bitterness is genetically excluded.

Smooth fruits are used for salads because they absorb brine less well - it enters the pulp through the tubercles. But if you wish, you can can them.

Cucumber RMT f1

A parthenocarpic hybrid belonging to the “Ural Summer Resident” collection, the originator is the Mars agricultural company. The variety is suitable for growing in all conditions and regions. The period from the appearance of the first shoots to harvest takes no more than 40 days. The bushes are low, with average branching intensity, shortened internodes. There are 2–5 ovaries collected in the axils. Positive characteristics:

• marketability;
• tasting score 5 points;
• absence of hollowness and bitterness;
• immunity to a complex of cultural diseases, unfavorable weather;
• versatility;
• yield up to 19 kg per m²;
• formation of ovaries before frost.

On a note!

Cucumber RMT f1 is suitable for growing at home and in heated greenhouses. Under indoor conditions, each bush produces no more than 30 greens.

The fruits are from 11 to 15 cm long, 70–110 g each, smooth, green with small tubercles, few white thorns. The flesh is crisp, not watery, sweetish with a bright aroma, the skin is tender. To stimulate fruiting, greens are collected daily, preventing them from overgrowing and overloading the bush. The hybrid is formed into 1 stem, put on a net or twine, and fed throughout the season.

Cucumber variety Lisa F1

The originator of the vegetable crop is the largest seed company Aelita. The variety is a first generation hybrid. The plant can be grown in any region of Russia, in open and closed ground. The fruit ripening period is short. From germination to the appearance of the first greenery, only 35-40 days pass.

Description of the plant

The bushes are medium-climbing, densely leafy. The leaves are medium sized, green with faintly visible veins. The surface of the leaf blade and petiole is rough due to small villi. The plant is parthenocarpic. It is unpretentious to soil and climatic conditions.

Cucumbers grow in an oval-cylindrical shape with a weight of 80-100 g. On average, the length of ripe cucumbers reaches 7-10 cm. The skin is covered with large tubercles with small white spines, the surface is glossy. The fruits are colored rich green. The flesh is dense and crispy when bitten. The taste is pleasant, does not contain bitterness. The fruits are excellent for canning and fresh consumption.

Fact!

The yield on open ground per 1 m² is 15 kg, and on closed ground up to 30 kg.

Breeders managed to instill immunity in the cucumber hybrid to the cucumber mosaic virus, olive spot, and powdery mildew and downy mildew. In open ground, plants are often attacked by spider mites and aphids. Spray the bushes with folk remedies so as not to harm the environment, vegetables, or yourself.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Aelita seed company produces high-quality seed material with many advantages.

Agricultural technology and care

The optimal soil temperature for planting is +14-15°C. Sow planting material in the greenhouse in early March and April, and in open beds in May. Plants respond well to fertilizing; fertilize the bushes 2-3 times per season, alternating mineral and organic nutrients. Water with warm water; the root system of the hybrid is very sensitive to cold.

Reviews

From the collected cucumber data, Lisa

The germination of cucumbers is excellent. Plants gain green mass quickly. The ovary appears together, up to 20 cucumbers ripen on the bush at the same time. Gardeners highlight high yields. Universal in use. Even after processing and rolling into a jar, the greens do not lose their crunch and pleasant sweetness.

Cucumber Taganay f1

Another early (35–40 days) hybrid from the “Ural Summer Resident” collection, it is cultivated throughout Russia, even in areas with a difficult climate (Ural, Siberia). The bushes are tall, the main stem develops poorly due to the large number of side shoots. There are 2-3 cucumbers in the sinuses. Greens up to 12 cm long, lined with large tubercles and white spines. The type of flowering is predominantly female. Pros:

• friendly, fast seed germination;
• immunity to viruses, fungi, bacteria and adverse weather factors;
• active setting before frost;
• universal application;
• predominantly female type of flowering;
• there are no hooked and shapeless greens;
• tasting score 5 points;
• no hollowness or bitterness.

The hybrid also has its disadvantages: the yield is relatively low; in open ground, no more than 11 kg per m² is harvested, but in a greenhouse or greenhouse the figures rise to 15–16 kg. Plants are demanding on the composition, structure and fertility of the soil and require painstaking care. Leave at least 40 cm between the bushes, form them into 1 stem, and grow them on a trellis. Fertilizing is carried out regularly; only warm water is used for watering.

All the varieties of cucumbers described have one common disadvantage: they are unsuitable for self-harvesting seed. Even if the grains in greens ripen, the plants obtained from them will not repeat the parental characteristics. Medium-fruited hybrids of the crop are distinguished by good resistance to diseases and unfavorable weather, but it is difficult to call them absolutely unpretentious. Abundant harvests of delicious greens can only be achieved with proper care.

Landing Features

The seed material is disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for about 15-20 minutes. Soaking in growth stimulants also improves germination.

Landing dates

The time for sowing cucumbers is calculated based on the timing of transplanting seedlings to a permanent place. Seedlings of the Zena variety are planted at the age of 35-40 days from the moment of germination.

An important condition is warm and prepared soil. The hybrid does not tolerate daily temperature fluctuations. Optimal air parameters for sowing in open ground are +22 - +25°C.

Site preparation

Cucumbers need a full range of nutrients for the formation of ovaries. High yields are achieved on fertile lands. The superficial, fragile root system of cucumbers does not develop well in heavy soils.

Planting seeds

When using the seedling method of growing Zena F1 cucumbers, the seeds are sown in containers. The containers are filled with pre-prepared soil. Purchase a universal mixture or prepare it yourself.

Containers with cucumber seedlings are turned over daily for uniform lighting. To prevent plants from stretching and deforming, additional lighting is used.

Planting seedlings

Hardening procedures are carried out 5-6 days before transplanting seedlings. Containers with plants are moved to a room with a lower temperature.

Cucumber seedlings are transferred into holes with a clod of earth. Water generously and sprinkle with soil. The soil around the stem is compacted.

To eliminate the possibility of pollination by insects, a parthenocarpic cucumber of the Dubrovsky F1 variety is planted nearby.

Planting scheme

Description of methods for planting seedlings of Zena cucumbers:

• single-line vertical method - the distance between plants is 15-20 cm, between rows - 55-70 cm;
• vertical strip – plants are placed every 15-20 cm, strips - every 40-55 cm; rows - every 70-85 cm;
• When planting as bushes, seedlings are planted in holes with a distance of 40-50 cm.

Reviews

Anastasia
Previously, she grew only gherkin cucumbers, but now she has completely switched to medium-fruited ones; in jars they look attractive, and salad hybrids have a richer taste. On my list of favorites are Hercules and Athena; I grow the first variety for summer cuttings, and the second for winter preparations. Both hybrids do not tolerate shade and do not grow in places with high groundwater levels, and are equally susceptible to aphid damage. During the season, I regularly spray the bushes with infusions of celandine, hot pepper, as well as biological products - Fitoverm, Strela, Biotlin.

Egor
I live in the Krasnodar region, I’m at the dacha only on weekends, so growing cucumbers is a problem for me; few varieties are able to develop normally in heat and drought. The hybrid was a godsend for me, it takes 5 days without watering, but it tolerates a thick layer of mulch without problems and continues to set fruit well. The yield is really high, but only if the bush is not overloaded with vines, I form it into 1-3 stems, and be sure to cut off the old leaves. I feed it once every 2 weeks, before flowering, with nitrogen fertilizers, and after the ovaries appear - with phosphorus-potassium or organic matter.

Care

The heat-loving cucumber Zena is covered until the onset of stable warm weather. During the cool season, reduce watering to avoid the development of root rot.

Watering

Moisture deficiency reduces the yield of Zena cucumbers. The hybrid needs good watering 2-3 times a week. At the stage of abundant fruiting, the soil is moistened every other day.

Garter and bush formation

Zena cucumbers are tied vertically or horizontally. The most convenient way is a V-shaped support. A simple method will reduce the likelihood of developing infectious diseases.

Parthenocarpic cucumber Zena F1 sets fruit on the main stem. Remove the side stems to the level of 5-6 leaves. Blinding will redirect nutrition to the main vine and ovary formation.

Top dressing

The procedure is carried out regularly every 10-12 days. During the period of active growth of bushes, urea, ammonium nitrate or mullein infusion are added. At the fruiting stage, cucumbers require potassium and phosphorus. For foliar feeding, boric acid is used.

Hilling

After heavy watering or rain, a crust forms on the soil surface. Cucumber roots develop in soft, airy soil. Loosening and hilling saturate the root area with oxygen.