Cucumber mother-in-law

Mother-in-law is a cucumber hybrid. It was bred by domestic breeders, and since 2007 the variety has been in the state register. The presented subspecies has both its pros and cons. Let's get acquainted with its properties in more detail.

This is a parthenocarpic species, that is, a hybrid that does not need pollination. The variety is characterized by cold resistance and high yield, and its other advantage is the preservation of seed germination for 7 years after harvest, but, of course, storage conditions must be observed for this.

An indeterminate bush with medium branching and medium-sized green leaves. In one node, it is formed from three female flowers. Zelentsy are short, only 11-13 cm long and weighing about 102 g. They have a cylindrical shape and a green, lumpy skin with stripes.

The fruits are distinguished by high marketability and excellent transportability, and even during transportation they do not lose their taste. When stored in the refrigerator, the fruit can lie for a long time.

Consumers note the excellent taste of the fruit, it has no bitterness, but it boasts a pleasant fresh aroma. The pulp is crispy and tender in consistency, and therefore is perfect for preparing vegetable salad. In addition, zelents are well tolerated by heat treatment, while voids are not formed in them, but a slight crunch remains. If the fruits are used for harvesting, then use the vegetable at the gherkin stage.

The first fruits can be found as early as 44 days after the appearance of the first shoots, which is typical for varieties with an early ripening period. Harvesting usually takes place in early July as the fruit ripens.

Cucumber Mother-in-law is able to bring 12.2 kg of harvest per square meter, if you follow all the rules of agricultural technology.

Sowing for seedlings is carried out at the end of April, the seedlings will be ready for transplantation in open ground in late May-early June. If the seeds are sown directly into open ground, then the optimal period for this is mid or late May. Seeds are laid in holes to a depth of 2 cm. Leave a distance of 50 cm between future bushes. With a closer distance, plants will not be able to develop at full strength, which will negatively affect the quantity and quality of the crop.

When growing seedlings, maintain a temperature regime within +20 degrees. If the temperature is less than +13 degrees, then seedlings will not appear. At a temperature of + 15-20 degrees, the first shoots will hatch in about 10 days, but if the thermometer in the room shows +25 degrees, then the seedlings will appear on the 5th day, and such seedlings cannot be called hardened.

The bushes can be considered ready for transplantation if several real leaves hatch on them. Do not forget about hardening the seedlings: 10 days before transplanting, take young shoots outside and increase the time spent in the fresh air every day.

Follow-up care includes the following items.

- Watering

It is necessary to moisten the ridge regularly until harvesting, but in the volume of water you need to know the measure so that excess moisture does not lead to decay of the root system. Usually the soil is irrigated twice a week. Use warm, settled water for irrigation; when irrigating with cold water, root rot can develop.

When moistening, direct the stream under the root so that drops do not fall on the green mass, as this can cause the development of downy mildew. A very well presented variety responds to mulching with peat or straw. This manipulation ensures long-term moisture retention and prevents weeds.

- Weeding and loosening

Try to remember to loosen once a week. Perform the procedure very carefully so as not to damage the bushes.

- Top dressing

It is especially important to apply fertilizers during the growing season. Usually, fertilizing is used once a week on the day of watering. The mother-in-law variety reacts well to phosphorus-potassium solutions or diluted manure.

During the development of flowers, the plant will benefit from carbon dioxide, so use organic matter during this period. Some gardeners place a mullein between the rows, but it is important that it does not touch the plants, and this is difficult, since the Mother-in-law variety grows well. Therefore, it is more advisable to irrigate the culture with mullein infusion.

- Garter

This is a necessary procedure. Even before transplanting a vegetable to a summer cottage, install two-meter trellises, to which future plants will be tied. A garter is required for bushes that have four leaves. After the garter, the bushes need to be shaped: grow the crop in one stem.

The presented variety is distinguished by a very high immunity to diseases and pests and is rarely affected by ailments, even by widespread powdery mildew. Also, the variety tolerates adverse weather conditions well.

Gardeners note the excellent germination and good taste of the presented variety, summer residents also praise the high yield, but the disadvantages include the high cost of seeds of the Mother-in-law variety.