Cucumber seeds are the best self-pollinating varieties for open ground in Siberia.

The common cucumber, a garden crop, is a heat-loving annual plant. This green vegetable grows not only in temperate climates but also in harsher climates such as Siberia and the Far East. Siberia's cold air and short summers negatively impact this heat-loving plant. Therefore, local breeders have focused on cultivating hybrids, created by crossing two varieties.

The most important properties of seeds of cucumber varieties suitable for growing in open groundIn Siberian conditions, these plants are cold-hardy, disease-resistant, and resistant to low light. A major advantage is their self-pollination, which is an advantage and yields better results than bee-pollinated plants.

Climate and outdoor cucumber cultivation in Siberia

Growing cucumbers in unprotected Siberian soil is possible, but only with the right technology. The cultivation system includes the following factors:

1. Skillful selection of species, taking into account adaptation to climatic conditions and ripening times.
2. Seed planting begins when the air temperature reaches 15°C, and the soil temperature at a depth of 100 mm should be at least 10°C. Sowing is typically done in the second or third ten days of May, if favorable weather conditions prevail.

   

3. Cucumber seeds are pre-prepared, after which they germinate better and the fruits are less susceptible to disease.
4. A small greenhouse can improve germination if the air hasn't warmed up to the desired temperature. A small greenhouse is constructed from metal arches covered with white non-woven covering fabric. Transparent cellulose film or glass frames can also be used.
5. Planting cucumbers in the same spot two years in a row won't yield good results. The plant shouldn't be returned to its original location until at least the fourth season.
6. If nighttime temperatures drop below 15°C, cover the plants with plastic film. During significant cold spells, cellulose film is recommended.

   

7. A temperature of at least +22°C will help the formation of the ovary, therefore, if the air cools down a little, the polyethylene should be kept on during the day.
8. Proper watering is also a component of good agricultural practices. Cucumbers dislike both overwatering and dry soil.

A particular area will require planting specific types of cucumbers that are suitable for growing in that zone.

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The best cucumber seed varieties for open ground in Siberia

The best varieties for planting in Siberia are cucumbers that are resistant to the harsh cold climate. They can be divided into two groups: self-pollinating and bee-pollinated.

Self-pollinating

A certain category of hybrid varieties exhibits parthenocarpy, which is the ability to produce cucumber fruit without pollination.

The following self-pollinating species are considered the best for the Siberian region:

1. Miranda F1. This variety is resistant to frost and powdery mildew, a fungal disease. Seeds for seedlings are sown in the second or third week of April, and the seedlings are planted in uncovered areas in late May. This early hybrid adapts to any type of soil, but the more fertile the area, the faster the plant will grow and produce fruit. It produces a large, spreading bush with bright green fruits covered with subtle yellowish stripes and small pimples.

   

2. F1 Claudia. An early-ripening hybrid. Intended for consumption and canning, the cucumbers are cylindrical, finely tuberculated, and up to 10 cm long. The main advantages of this parthenocarpic variety are high yield, disease resistance, and excellent flavor. Seeds are sown directly into the ground, and four- to six-week-old seedlings appear in the last ten days of May.

   

3. F1 German. Considered a very early gherkin, it bears fruit 6-7 weeks after planting, boasting outstanding yields and disease resistance. With proper cultivation, up to 7-8 fruits form at each stem node. The bitter-free cucumbers grow up to 10 cm, ripening early and densely. This cucumber variety is suitable for both fresh and pickled consumption.

   

4. The F1 Zozulya variety tolerates low temperatures and fungal and bacterial plant diseases well. To improve germination, seeds are planted in the second half of May under plastic film. Once fruiting begins, the early maturity allows for harvesting the cucumbers literally every other day.

   

Bee-pollinated

This type of cucumber requires pollination by bees or insects. A single shoot contains both male and female flowers and produces cucumbers of both sexes. The following varieties are considered best suited to the Siberian climate:

1. Altai. This cucumber variety is well known to Siberian gardeners. It is characterized by its undemanding weather conditions and resistance to low temperatures. It is an early-ripening plant, maturing in 35 to 40 days. The bushes reach almost a meter in height, are compact, and have a medium-sized climbing habit.

   

2. Svetlyachok. This variety boasts high yields and excellent pickling qualities, but is susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases. The period from germination to fruiting is 45 days. The climbing bush reaches a height of over two meters, with cucumbers measuring 12 cm in length and weighing 90 grams, respectively.

   

3. F1 Brigantine. Produces high yields in the West Siberian region. This early-ripening hybrid is used for raw eating, canning, and pickling. Elliptical in shape, bright green in color, resistant to yellowing, the skin is covered with large tubercles and light green stripes.

   

4. Smak. An early-ripening, medium-vine variety. The egg-shaped form is characterized by a deep green color, lack of bitterness, and does not turn yellow during storage. This cucumber has a versatile use.

   

5. Serpentine. This plant is resistant to cold and drought, and has excellent pickling qualities. This early, productive variety ripens in 37-38 days. Its shape is ovoid-elongated with large tubercles, gently ribbed, and covered with blurred stripes. The cucumber grows to over 9 cm in length and weighs up to 85 g.

   

6. F1 Apogee. This mid-vine, early-ripening, high-yielding variety is primarily used for salads. It begins bearing fruit within 50 days of sowing. The cucumbers are oval, tuberculate, and resistant to downy mildew.

Secrets and rules for growing cucumbers in Siberia in open ground

The region's cool and short summers prevent cucumbers from being exposed to the sun. Therefore, proper agricultural practices are essential for their full ripening.

Necessary conditions

Creating the right conditions is one of the factors for increasing plant yields. To achieve this, follow these guidelines:

• planting should begin when the temperature is at least 15 degrees Celsius and the soil depth of 10 cm is warmed up to 10 degrees;
• The acidity of the soil should be equal to 5.6 pH.

Before planting seedlings, a mixture of humus and straw in equal proportions is added to the prepared hole and covered with soil.

How to choose a planting site taking into account climate conditions

The site where the garden bed will be created is determined with as much care as the planting conditions. The selection should be based on the following criteria:

• the best place would be a small hill facing south;
• on the north side there should be buildings or forest plantations;
• the soil is structured and well warmed by the sun.

It's not advisable to plant a plot in a lowland or pit. Low-lying areas collect meltwater, and there are underground roads nearby.

Landing rules

When planting cucumbers, it's important to adhere to the optimal timing. The lunar calendar can help gardeners with this. The second half of May is considered the most favorable period, with mid-June being the latest.

The use of agricultural technology implies the following order of planting:

• when planting in one row, the distance between bushes should be at least half a meter, low branching reduces the gap by 10 cm, between rows it remains unchanged - 1 meter;

  

• planting in two rows leaves 60 cm between bushes, 50 cm between rows, and 100 cm between beds.

In case of loose soil, seedlings are planted to a depth of 4 cm; heavy soil will require no more than 2 cm.

Care

Proper plant care will ensure a bountiful harvest even in the absence of warm climate conditions. The following is a guide to caring for the pumpkin family:

• systematic loosening of the soil will prevent the formation of a soil crust;
• as they grow, remove wild plants that choke out the cucumbers;
• spreading bushes and creeping species should be tied to a trellis;
• In the absence of natural precipitation, use artificial irrigation frequently.

Top dressing before the crop begins to bloom is carried out by mixing 20 g of nitrogen and potassium, and 30 g of phosphorus in a bucket of water.

How to stimulate growth

Proper bush training will ensure a good harvest. To enhance growth and fruiting, the following methods are recommended:

1. Pinching is the removal of the apical bud or the top third of the bush. This action increases the number of female buds.

   

2. Pinching out stepsons is the removal of axillary buds that thicken the bush.
3. Blinding is caused by removing all the shoots and buds on the lower three nodes, and removing all the color on the next three.

The latter procedure promotes the formation of the earliest harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Secrets of planting and growing cucumbers in the climatic conditions of Siberia lies in the correct choice varieties For a specific region. Preparing the seeds for planting, covering the beds during nighttime temperature drops, and applying fertilizer are equally important. Compliance with all these conditions will result in a high cucumber yield.