Cucumber Xena

The Zena cucumber has recently added to the assortment of crop varieties. However, many people immediately liked it for the impeccable shape of the fruit and the rich color. Good immunity and excellent yields increase interest in the hybrid. Even restrictions on use do not spoil the experience of growing it. Therefore, most gardeners, having become acquainted with this variety, are very pleased with the result.

Indeterminate hybrid suitable for growing in open areas, tolerates heat. In cool regions and places with an unstable climate, the variety can be cultivated in film shelters. The main feature of this variety is that its fruits are not suitable for conservation. This is due to the lack of tuberosity and thorns. Nevertheless, the excellent presentation of cucumbers with an unusual name makes them ideal for any table.

Compact weakly branched plants of this variety are covered with medium-sized green leaves. The fruits are quite large, can reach 15-17 cm in length. Cucumbers have a cylindrical shape. The skin is smooth, glossy, with a rich dark green hue. The weight of ripe vegetables reaches 150 g.

The variety is considered a salad variety. When salted or pickled, the fruits lose their shape and become too soft. Therefore, it is recommended to use them fresh (in salads, cuts, canapes, sandwiches, etc.). The sweet taste without bitterness allows cucumbers to be an excellent independent snack, as well as harmoniously complement other vegetables.

The hybrid belongs to the group of mid-season vegetables. Seeds of the variety for seedlings are sown at the end of April. The seedlings are transferred to the site or to the greenhouse in the last days of May. If the decision is made to immediately place the seed in open ground, choose the end of May or the beginning of June. The gardener can get the first crop in about 40 days.

On average, 2.4 kg of cucumbers of this variety can be harvested from one square meter. The keeping quality of vegetables is excellent. They retain their presentation for up to 10 days. Also, the fruits tolerate transportation well, and therefore can be grown for sale.

It is recommended to place no more than 4-5 plants on one square meter. With this planting, the bushes will not intertwine. In addition, they will be able to receive enough light and air to maintain health and full development.

For a Xena cucumber, you should choose an area in the sun or in partial shade with loose fertile soil. The variety is thermophilic. Therefore, before a stable comfortable temperature is established, the sprouts should be covered with foil. Moistening the soil during the frost period should be infrequent. This limitation minimizes the risk of root rot. Then the irrigation regime is restored up to 2-3 times a week. During the fruiting period, you can water the crop every other day. During growth, the bushes are fertilized with urea, ammonium nitrate or organic matter. Before harvesting, the soil is enriched with potassium and phosphorus. Also, do not forget about regular hilling and loosening.

The hybrid is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and downy mildew. To reduce the susceptibility of the crop to other diseases, the seeds can be treated with Fitosporin even before planting. If the bushes get sick with a fungal infection, apply the appropriate fungicidal agents. With an invasion of pests, onion or garlic infusion is used (in advanced cases, insecticides are included in the fight).

Gardeners are enthusiastic about the taste of Xena cucumbers. The fruits are sweet, juicy and aromatic with normal care. The bushes grow quickly and rarely get sick, therefore, even despite the average yield, summer residents do not regret buying seeds and plan to re-plant this hybrid in their plots.