Previously, only bee-pollinated varieties of vegetables, in particular cucumbers, could be grown outdoors. But gradually, the standard varieties were replaced by hybrids, which are called parthenocarpic, or self-fertile, that is, they set fruits without any pollination.
Initially, they were intended for growing in greenhouses, but recently domestic breeders have created the first hybrid for open ground - parthenocarpic cucumber, which is great for marinades and salads. And gradually, due to the undoubted advantages, many gardeners began to plant these hybrids in open ground, especially since recently the number of bumblebees, bees and other pollinators in nature has sharply decreased.
Dignity
Parthenocarpic cucumber has a higher yield, it has no bitterness, it continuously bears fruit, is resistant to adverse climatic conditions and harmful diseases. In open ground, it can produce up to twelve kilograms of crop per square meter. In addition, the parthenocarpic cucumber is completely devoid of seeds,therefore, when s alting, voids do not form in it, which was appreciated by many housewives. It has rather dark large-tubercular fruits of a beautiful cylindrical shape up to 10 centimeters long. The stem of this garden crop branches intensively, thereby restraining the growth of the main stem. At the same time, a sufficiently powerful curtain is formed on it, which is necessary for good fruiting. Parthenocarpic cucumber has medium-sized leaves, which allows minimal damage to the plant during harvesting. This new hybrid is therefore suitable for spreading cultivation.
Reproduction
Parthenocarpic cucumber can be grown both by seedlings and by direct planting of seeds in the garden. For germination, a temperature of at least +24 degrees Celsius is required, so the vegetable is sown when the soil warms up enough. According to many gardeners, the best cucumber seeds for a summer residence or a personal plot are parthenocarpic. They are grown in a sunny bed protected from the winds, which is mulched with light humus. Sowing for seedlings begins at the end of December at a depth of up to three centimeters in small pots without picking. Pour warm water through a strainer. At the end of the second week after germination, the plants are arranged at an average of 25 pieces per square meter. Seedlings are planted in a permanent place at about a month old, when five or six leaves already appear.
Care
Care for this vegetable consists in loosening, weeding, and also in watering, and only aftersunset. For the entire growing season, it must be fed at least twice. Breathable medium loamy soils are suitable for this vegetable crop. The most favorable precursors are onions, potatoes, peppers and cabbage.
Varieties
Parthenocarpic hybrids include cucumbers "German", "cheetah", "vir", "virent", "evropa", "essica" and many others. They are distinguished by the marketability of fruits, high yields, uniform ripening and evenness of greens. Some subspecies are also resistant to cladosporiosis.
