Best of its kind - what is parthenocarpic cucumber
Have you ever had it so that with the abundant flowering of cucumbers, little or no fruit is tied? But gardeners who know what parthenocarpic cucumber means, this does not happen. And all for one simple reason - they do not need pollination, which greatly simplifies cultivation. At the same time, cucumbers grow even tastier than pollinated ones. And they have high yields no matter where they grow.
What does parthenocarpic cucumber mean?
Do not confuse self-pollinated cucumbers with parthenocarpic are two different species. In the former, pollination takes place and passes independently. And for this they form both male and female flowers. Parthenocarpics do not need pollination at all.
In addition, among other characteristic features of parthenocarpics, it is worth noting their following properties:
- yield is several times higher than that of other species;
- the fruits are dense, of the same size, sweet, without bitterness;
- cucumbers can be on the plant and not turn yellow for a long time;
- immunity in hybrids is at a high level and they rarely get sick;
- the crop is characterized by increased keeping quality.
Among the disadvantages of hybrid cucumbers, there is still a "dislike" for sudden changes in temperature. Also, most varieties grow rather long curly shoots and need a garter. And if it suddenly happens that the cucumbers growing in the beds pollinate the bees, then the fruits can grow deformed and of different sizes.
The best varieties of parthenocarpic cucumbers
Among the parthenocarpics, there are both varieties that are intended exclusively for greenhouses and hybrids for open ground. Most of the varieties bear fruit with delicious salad fruits. Due to their thin skin, they are not suitable for canning. However, breeders managed to develop hybrids suitable for salting and pickling. Therefore, when buying, be sure to read the description of the variety.
Among the cucumbers that do not need pollination, the following varieties have proven themselves well (names marked with F1):
- Hermann. Small cucumbers no longer than 10 cm ripen after 40 days and are suitable for pickling. The variety can be grown both in the greenhouse and in the open field.
- Arina. A cold-resistant variety, mainly for greenhouses, but can also grow in garden beds. Fruits up to 15 cm long ripen in 45 days, only for salad purposes.
- Carousel. Early maturing gherkins about 12 cm long are tied in bunches and can grow anywhere. Suitable for winter harvesting.
- Pasamonte. A versatile variety for greenhouses and open ground. Early cucumbers do not exceed 9 cm in length, are covered with pimples and thorns, and are suitable for canning.
- Grandma's secret.Mid-season variety for greenhouses and garden beds for universal use.