One of the most popular varieties of cucumbers is the Meringue hybrid. This fact is explained by its excellent productivity, attractive appearance, excellent taste and versatility. Such cucumbers can be grown in any Russian region on open soil or under film shelter.
Seeds of cucumbers of a variety "Meringue"
Grade cucumber "Meringue"
The variety of cucumbers "Meringue" has excellent yield
Description of the variety of cucumbers
Early ripening cucumbers of Meringue brought Dutch breeders. This parthenocarpic species does not need pollination, therefore, it can be grown in greenhouse conditions where there are no pollinating insects.
The appearance of the fruit takes a little more than a month after a full shoot. Culture actively (stably and continuously) bears fruit throughout the entire growth period. The seeds do not ripen in the fruit, so their overgrowing does not occur and they will not turn yellow. The length of the fetus is from 8 to 10 cm, weight - not more than 100 grams.
Only the first generation possesses valuable qualities inherited from the parent variety, therefore, collecting their seeds will be useless, hence the designation of the hybrid - F1 (first generation).
The natural property of parthenocarpy in the hybrid is fixed at the genetic level, which is considered one of the most important advantages when growing a garden crop on protected ground. Read more about the features and nuances in the cultivation of parthenocarpic cucumbers here.
Advantages and disadvantages
Meringue Hybrid, in addition to persistence and growth force, has many other positive qualities:
- early maturity - greenbacks appear 2 months after planting;
- pollination is not required;
- open ground gives a yield of 10 kg per sq. m, and closed - 15 kg;
- when sowing purchased seeds, a stable crop is provided, because only individual grains in rare cases do not germinate;
- commercial quality of cucumbers makes them suitable not only for home consumption, but also for sale;
- during transportation, vegetables show excellent preservation;
- resistance to various diseases;
- Significant benefits for humans due to its rich vitamin composition.
The disadvantages include only the annual purchase of new seeds, because they will not bear their own fruit.
Soil requirements
Meringue cucumbers are grown on any soil with a loose structure. Good drainage and sufficient organic matter are needed.
Soil should not be salty. At a high salt content, it is difficult to absorb liquid from the soil, plant growth is reduced, the greens become small, and the fruits are curved. With a low salt level, the result will be the opposite, but the sensitivity of the plant to various diseases will appear. The optimum value of soil acidity is 5.5-7 pH.
See a review and comparison of Meringue cucumbers:
Rules for sowing seeds, planting seedlings
Meringue cucumbers are grown using seedlings or seeds.
Direct sowing of seeds
Such sowing is very popular and can save time and effort on growing seedlings. Features of this method:
- the sowing season in the middle lane begins in early May, ends in mid-June;
- to get an early harvest, pre-prepared seeds are sown and covered with spanbond or other high-quality material;
- joint sowing of dry and soaked seeds before hatching is required;
- it is more convenient to use the nesting method of sowing, in this case, three to four seeds are laid in one hole.
In the second decade of May, seeds can be sown in open soil without significant shelters.
Planting seedlings
When using this method, the first harvest is accelerated and its volume is significantly increased relative to seedling-free sowing. Success in planting and growing seedlings can be achieved using certain subtleties:
- it is better to sort through the seeds, fully soak in a solution with growth stimulants;
- sowing of wet seeds is carried out in pots or other containers not deeper than 1.5 cm;
- only full nutritious soil intended for vegetables is used;
- soil and air humidity should be at a moderate level;
- seedlings are watered, if necessary, and only with warm water (23-25 degrees);
- before planting (for a week), you need to harden the seedlings.
Before transferring seedlings to open soil, it is better to water it well. Planting cucumber seedlings occurs in the period from 20 to 25 days of its age. In the middle zone, seedlings are planted from May 12 to 20, and in open soil without shelters from June 3 to 15.
After landing care
To get a high-quality crop, Meringue cucumbers will need good care. First of all, timely weeding and loosening of planting beds, regular watering and minor top dressing (2-3 times all the time) are needed:
- it is better to water under the root in the evening (water temperature - 23 degrees);
- small loosening and mulching will be required;
- weeds are regularly removed;
- to protect the culture from pests and diseases, spraying is carried out by special means;
- for feeding cucumbers in the open field, it is better to use slurry, poultry manure infusion or complex fertilizer.
How to achieve a generous harvest?
When gardeners choose a certain variety of vegetables for growing, the indicator of good yield is one of the main ones. In the case of proper care, compliance with the temperature regime and optimal humidity, Meringue cucumbers will show a high yield.
Given the long growing season of Meringue, you can provide cucumbers not only with your own family, but also make profit from it. To achieve high yields, you must:
- tie the lashes of cucumbers to the trellises;
- to correctly remove the processes that impede the growth of the plant (to pinch);
- perform timely fruit collection.
Diseases and their prevention
Meringue cucumbers are immune to powdery mildew, but are susceptible to infection with anthracnose. The appearance of the fungus leads to it due to a violation of the temperature and humidity conditions. In this case, the leaves become covered with yellow spots, and the bush may die. It is extremely difficult to treat the disease, so it is easier to prevent it by using fungicides.
In the case of increased humidity in the greenhouse, the fruit may become covered with mucus. A plant affected by white rot is torn out, and Bordeaux fluid is used to spray healthy bushes.
Meringue cucumbers on the open ground attract a spider mite. Whitefly egg larvae will feed on sap. Insecticides are used to get rid of these pests.
Harvesting and storage rules
The ripened fruits are picked every three to four days. Despite the fact that they will not outgrow and turn yellow, they will begin to deprive new-growing cucumbers of nutrients.
Fruits can be salted or pickled. Fresh storage is possible for 2-3 weeks in a cool place.
Despite the Dutch origin of the hybrid variety of Meringue cucumbers, the Russian climate is excellent for growing this crop and achieving high yields. The growing technology is simple and accessible to all gardeners. If all its conditions are met, you can expect an excellent harvest.