The best cold-resistant and shade-tolerant varieties of cucumbers

Cucumbers

Growing cucumbers outdoors will be a particularly challenging task for gardeners in northern regions and climate zones with sharp daily temperature fluctuations. The crop is also demanding in terms of daylight hours. If these parameters aren't optimal, cucumbers become crooked, bitter, and overly tough, and the overall yield decreases. Cold- and shade-tolerant hybrids and cucumber varieties specifically for open ground are a good alternative to traditional varieties.

Main characteristics

The development of a healthy cucumber depends on the weather. In most regions, the ripening and growing season is limited to just two months; in northern latitudes, it's 35-40 days. Even growing and hardening off seedlings doesn't always yield the desired harvest. Cold-hardy and shade-tolerant varieties can be both early and late. Therefore, it's important to study the description of each variety and hybrid and read reviews in advance.

Varieties

Cold tolerance and reduced light requirements are related, but not identical, agronomic characteristics. Shade-tolerant cucumber varieties, especially for open ground, tolerate temperature fluctuations better, but this doesn't mean they'll withstand average daily temperatures approaching freezing or survive sudden night frosts. Cold-tolerant cucumbers, specifically zoned for open ground, will ripen according to the manufacturer's specifications even in low-light conditions.

Note!

Varieties and hybrids are zoned, meaning they have additional characteristics. This is most often the F1 generation, from which it is impossible to obtain seeds.

The main characteristics to study include:

ripening period;
pollination type;
growth form.

The most prolific are the resistant species that grow in long vines. Bush varieties They are easier to cultivate but produce less fruit. Cold-hardy varieties are often parthenocarpic, meaning they are self-pollinating. They don't require bees. Insect treatment is an unstable process, which is also vulnerable to sudden temperature changes.

Hardy varieties include everything from super-early to late. Mid-season varieties are the most productive. They manage to form a sufficient number of ovaries, while hybrids with a long period of active fruiting remain in the vegetative stage until autumn, as they are resistant to low temperatures.

Pros and cons

Improved varieties aren't completely low-maintenance; they still require specific growing conditions. When choosing a hybrid, it's important to consider its tolerance characteristics. For example, there are no cucumbers that won't die in subzero temperatures. Most varieties are designed to continue growing down to 5°C (41°F), while some can tolerate 2°C (33°F). However, ripening and growth shouldn't slow down. Shade-tolerant varieties can continue to grow in the shade for several days, but a complete lack of light will kill even such a plant. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage of these varieties. The following advantages are also noted:

extended fruiting period;
low sensitivity to diseases and pests;
versatility.

The fruits may have a slightly less pronounced flavor and aroma. These parameters depend on climatic conditions. Some varieties have thick, rough skin, which is not to everyone's taste. There are no other significant drawbacks. These cucumbers can be used fresh, pickled, or preserved.

Note!

Another advantage is the simplified method of seedling cultivation. There is no need for additional hardening of seedlings before planting them in the ground.

Growing recommendations

Varieties with high resistance rates can be grown in any region. However, in southern climates, there's no need to sacrifice flavor, distinctive aroma, or yield if the risk of sudden frost is low. Switching to new varieties will be necessary for those cultivating in risky farming regions:

in the Urals;
in Siberia;
in the Far East.

This is a good solution and for gardeners in the Moscow region, the northern Volga region, and the Leningrad region. If it's possible to grow vegetables only in open ground, and constant monitoring isn't ensured, and there's no chance of shutting down the plantings in the event of cold weather, choosing the right variety will simplify care. In the most challenging regions, where summers are cold and cloudy, the first fruits should appear as early as possible. Therefore, late-ripening varieties are undesirable. They won't begin active growth until at least 55-65 days after germination, but temperatures will already have dropped below the permissible minimum.

In terms of care, these plantings are no different from regular ones. The main thing to remember is that severe frosts and complete lack of light are still dangerous. Tall plants can be planted near shade-tolerant varieties, but in small numbers. Cold-tolerant varieties need regular watering, and the soil should be mulched and loosened. This will help increase oxygenation of the soil and make it less conductive. If temperatures drop, it's best to cover the plantings with plastic or provide simple heating by burning biological waste. Smoke can help prevent the settling of cold air masses.

To improve flavor, increase fruit size, and accelerate ripening, appropriate fertilizers are needed. Resistant varieties are more sensitive to overdoses of chemically active substances, so it's best to avoid mineral fertilizers in favor of organic or complex formulations.

Selecting a variety

It's difficult to single out the best varieties, as results vary depending on the region and adherence to agricultural practices. Cultivation centers regularly introduce new varieties. However, gardeners are already familiar with some cucumbers and can provide feedback based on yield and properties.

Among the variety of cold-hardy varieties, hybrids stand out for their long fruiting period, uniform fruit, and large size. These qualities are possessed by:

"Mill";
"Suomi hybrid F1";
"Saltan hybrid F1".

The cold-hardy cucumber variety "By the Pike's Command F1" has received excellent reviews. Its fruits are distinguished by a high sugar content and a vibrant flavor. They grow in a bushy manner. A single central shoot produces virtually no lateral shoots, so it takes up little space and requires no shaping. The cucumber varieties "Saltan" and "Gepard F1" can withstand sudden cold snaps down to +2°C (33°F).

Note!

It doesn't matter at what stage of growth the temperature drop occurs. Even at the very beginning of flowering, plants are more resilient to such impacts.

The "Suomi" cucumber has smaller fruits, averaging about 7 centimeters in length. As in the photo, they are smooth and finely ribbed. This new Finnish variety doesn't even require cold weather protection and is suitable for canning, as it produces many fruits at once. The "Cheboksarets" cucumber variety produces a harvest later, after approximately 50-55 days. The fruits ripen gradually and evenly throughout the late summer and early fall, which can be inconvenient for harvesting. Like the "Flagman F1" cucumber, it is versatile, suitable for both fresh and short-term storage.

Shade-tolerant varieties are no less diverse. The cucumber varieties "Zadavaka F1," "Arbat," and "Zabiyaka F1" boast good yields. The fruits match the photos provided by the seed producer, ranging in size from 8 to 10 centimeters. These hybrids have large tubercles and thin skin. They grow evenly and are considered mid-season. Their foliage is not too dense, and the number of lateral shoots does not exceed four. This allows for optimal illumination of the entire plant, even in low sunlight. Slightly larger cucumber varieties include "Balalaika F1," "Lord F1," and "Manul Hybrid F1," reaching 12-13 centimeters in length and are best suited for fresh consumption.

Shade-tolerant cucumber varieties from Manul and TSKh are suitable for open ground, hotbeds, and greenhouses. This crop often produces smaller yields due to insufficient light under cover. By planting special varieties, the growing season can be significantly extended by installing additional cover in early fall. Careful maintenance can also increase yields. For example, cucumbers of the "Danila" variety, like TSKh, thrive with timely staking of the bushes and vines. Rapid growth is one of the hybrid's hallmarks. However, tangling of stems and shoots further reduces light exposure. All these varieties are sensitive to watering and nutrient deficiencies, but are resistant to fungal and mold diseases.

Gardeners cite the "Maryina Roshcha," "Berendey," and "Topolyok" varieties as particularly successful hybrids. They yield fruit even in consistent shade, such as in dense plantings. The latter produces the smallest fruits, which are ideal for unusual preserves. The continuous ripening period is 100-110 days, and the first harvest can be collected after just 45 days.

Note!

This is a bee-pollinated species, so it is only suitable for open areas.

Reviews

Olga

I've completely switched to shade-tolerant varieties at my dacha in the Leningrad region. Cucumbers ripen much faster, and there are fewer crooked fruits. The "Berendey" variety has proven particularly successful; it keeps well even at room temperature.

Victor

I like the "Maryina Roshcha" variety. Unlike the better-known "Athlete," these cucumbers don't become bitter when grown in hot weather or sun. On the contrary, they produce more ovaries, resulting in an impressive harvest.

Shade-loving, cold-hardy cucumbers produce fruit under the most adverse conditions, yet require little care. Planting, staking, shaping, and watering are no different from standard cucumbers; you don't even need to worry about covering them during the inevitable cold snaps at the end of summer. The main advantage of these varieties is their long fruiting period. However, they do have drawbacks: for example, some varieties don't tolerate excessively hot weather and become bitter when dehydrated. Therefore, it's important to choose a hybrid suitable for specific conditions.