Cucumbers are one of the most popular garden crops loved by both adults and children. Such a demand for this vegetable pushes breeders to invent more and more innovative and improved varietal varieties. It is to such an innovation that the Meringue cucumber variety can be confidently attributed. In this article we will talk about the description of the variety of cucumbers and consider the technology of their cultivation.
Characteristics and description of the meringue cucumber variety
Merengue is a hybrid that was bred by Dutch breeders in 2007. This variety, in terms of ripening, belongs to the early types of cucumbers. The versatility of use allows you to use it both fresh and processed (in the form of pickled or pickled cucumbers in jars). The culture positions itself as suitable for cultivation in all regions of our vast country.
The varietal variety is excellent for cultivation in summer cottages and on an industrial scale. The versatility of growing allows you to grow crops, both in open soil and in greenhouses. The plant does not need pollination, which allows you to grow it in greenhouses without much hassle.
The crop is a tall shrub with average weaving ability. Leaves are medium-sized, rich green color. Fruits of regular cylindrical shape, neat, do not exceed 10-12 cm in size, and weigh no more than 100 grams.
The first harvest begins to be harvested 35-40 days after planting the seeds. The crop bears fruit throughout the growing season, but the largest number of ripe crunchy cucumbers is harvested at the beginning of fruiting, which is very convenient for winter harvesting.
The taste is excellent, the lack of bitterness in the fruit is genetically determined.
The yield is quite sufficient. In open soil, collect 2-3 kg. ripe vegetables per square meter. In greenhouses, with proper care, it is possible to achieve yields of up to 10 kg. per square meter.
The variety is resistant to common cucumber diseases such as powdery mildew, spotting, mosaic virus... The fruits are not deformed or yellow.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
This type of cucumber has many advantages:
- Decent productivity.
- Drought resistance.
- Immunity to temperature extremes.
- Excellent taste.
- Versatility in use.
- Growing versatility.
- Excellent presentation and transportability.
- Accuracy of fruits, their identity and long shelf life.
- Disease resistance.
- Unpretentious care.
The only drawback of the variety can be attributed to its not very good resistance as such a common disease as peronosporosis, or downy mildew.
Judging by the numerous reviews of gardeners and summer residents, this varietal variety of cucumbers significantly differs in price and quality from different suppliers. If you believe these reviews, then the highest quality seeds are from suppliers from Moscow and Ukraine, respectively, and the price is much more expensive. The quality and price are much lower for suppliers from Rostov, Volgograd and Kazakhstan.
Recommendations for planting seeds
The soil
This varietal variety is planted both by seedlings and seeds. The seedling method of planting will simply speed up the ripening of the fruits somewhat. Regardless of which planting method is used, the soil needs to be loamy with good breathability. To achieve a good harvest, you need to prepare the site in the fall: clear it of weeds, fertilize it with manure and dig it up.
It is strictly forbidden to use chlorine-containing fertilizers for this variety. Saline soil is also unsuitable for plants.
Seed material
In order for the harvest to be good, you need to use exclusively high-quality and prepared seed. It is better to buy ready-made glazed seeds. Such seeds have already been disinfected and treated with growth activators. The germination rate of such seeds is almost 100%.
If you purchased ordinary seeds, then you should prepare them yourself properly. First, the seeds are kept in a solution of potassium permanganate, then they are germinated in moist bags. Already germinated seeds are hardened by taking them out for several days in the cold.
Planting seeds
Seeds are planted in extremely warm soil, the temperature of which should be at least 12 degrees. If plants are planted in open soil, the possibility of night frosts must be completely excluded.
With a horizontal growing scheme, no more than two plants are planted per square meter. But this method of growing has proved to be the least effective.
It is best to use vertical cultivation, in which the bush is formed by tying it to supports, mesh, or trellises. This method is less traumatic for the plant and allows you to place 4-5 bushes on one square meter. Seeds are planted in holes, no more than 3 cm deep.
3-4 seeds are planted in each well. If all the seeds sprout, then they must be thinned out. The first shoots appear in 6-7 days.
Culture care
Any kind of cucumber loves cleanliness. The plant needs timely care, which includes loosening the soil, cleaning weeds, watering and feeding.
Merengue is very fond of various fertilizers. The yield of the crop depends on them. You can feed seedlings throughout the entire growing season, but with a break of at least 2-3 weeks. Any organic fertilizers are suitable for these purposes.
Diseases
The variety positions itself as disease resistant, but still, this variety can be damaged by a disease such as downy mildew.... If this happens, the culture should be treated with suitable products that are sold in all specialized stores.
You need to collect the crop every 2-3 days. This is done carefully so as not to damage the ovary.
With proper care, Meringue cucumbers will provide you with an excellent harvest with excellent fruit taste.