Hybrid cucumber variety "Metelitsa f1": recommendations for growing and care

The Metelitsa f1 hybrid meets all the requirements of Russian gardeners. It is resistant to diseases and pests and tolerates excessive soil moisture. This variety is easy to plant and grow. This cucumber will appeal to those who don't want to wait long for the fruit to ripen. Its description makes it clear that its early maturity is its main advantage over similar varieties.

General information about the variety

This variety was developed by the Russian company Biotekhnika. The plant belongs to parthenocarpic typeThese crops reproduce without insect pollination. This variety can be grown in greenhouses and open ground. It is suitable for cultivation in most regions of Russia. The growth of lateral shoots on the bushes is limited, so pinching is not necessary. This simplifies care and saves time.

There are two ways to grow this cucumber. For cooler climates, seedlings are more suitable, as there's a risk that the seeds won't germinate. However, this method also yields a much faster harvest. In more southern climates, pre-preparation of the seedlings is unnecessary.

Characteristics of the bush and fruit

The flowering type is female. Fruit ovaries appear in clusters on the bushes, with 3-4 fruits forming in a single node. Up to 15 cucumbers can ripen simultaneously in the beds. "Metelitsa f1" cucumbers are characterized by early ripening. The first harvest can be collected just 36 days after the first shoots emerge. The bushes grow moderately and branch out.

The fruits of this hybrid are a rich dark green with a noticeable light stripe extending to the center of the fruit. They belong to the gherkin variety, which is characterized by a small size. The cucumber skin is covered with large tubercles. The shape is elongated and cylindrical. The cucumbers reach 8 cm in length and average 65 g in weight. The flesh is dense and crisp, without a bitter taste. These cucumbers are salted, pickled, eaten fresh, and sliced ​​into salads.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

This cucumber variety surpasses its competitors in many ways. Gardeners cite its main advantages as:

• low maintenance requirements;
• productivity;
• versatility in terms of use in cooking;
• resistance to infectious and fungal diseases;
• easily tolerates excess moisture;
• a small number of lateral shoots;
• shelf life and transportability;
• excellent commercial appearance of cucumbers;

No negative qualities have been identified for this variety. Some gardeners note that it is very demanding regarding soil quality. This means that the plant will not reach its full potential in poor soil with insufficient nutrients. The soil should also not be too acidic.

Productivity and disease resistance

This variety has above-average yields, yielding up to 14 kg of cucumbers per square meter. This hybrid has relatively good immunity. It is resistant to diseases such as powdery mildew and olive spot.

As a preventative measure, the plants can be treated with special preparations. However, this should only be done before the buds begin to set. This preventative measure will prevent infection and ensure higher yields. Folk remedies can be used without restrictions; they will not harm the fruit. Hilling up the bushes helps protect the plants from pests. Timely weed control will allow the cucumber plants to absorb more moisture and essential nutrients from the soil.

Features of agricultural technology of the variety

It's best to prepare a special mixture of soil, sand, and humus for seedlings. Place the seeds 1.5 cm deep in the holes. Peat pots are convenient. They not only provide nutrition for the young plants but also facilitate the transplanting process. To prevent seedlings from dying, avoid overwatering them. The optimal room temperature for seedlings is at least 17°C. Cucumbers require complex fertilizers, consisting primarily of nitrogen compounds, for normal development and growth.

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Seedlings require at least 14 hours of sunlight per day. If natural light is insufficient, additional lamps should be connected. Before move the seedlings to the bedsIt's helpful to harden it off. To do this, young bushes are taken outside for a short time each day. Seeds should be sown in the ground only after the soil warms up to 15°C (59°F). This is usually done in late May or early June. It's recommended to add wood ash to the holes as a natural fertilizer.

Water the beds Watering should be done after sunset. It's best to water with a drip irrigation system rather than with a hose. Watering is usually done every other day, unless it's extremely hot. Mulching is helpful to retain soil moisture. Mature bushes of this hybrid should be fertilized with organic and mineral fertilizers several times a season.

Reviews

Nadya

Before buying new garden seeds, I always try to read reviews. The Metelitsa f1 hybrid attracted me primarily because of its ease of use and early maturity. I love it when cucumbers can be harvested as early as early summer. I used to have problems with downy mildew. It's very difficult to overcome. But with this variety, you don't have to worry about it—it never gets sick.

Boris

Of all the cucumbers I've grown in my greenhouse, this one begins bearing fruit earlier than the others. The fruit doesn't develop a bitter taste even when I water the plants infrequently. To prevent pests from damaging the plants, I treat them with garlic infusion. Laundry soap works well against aphids. I try to avoid using chemicals to avoid harming the health of my family.

This first-generation hybrid is distinguished by its early maturity. It is resistant to many adverse environmental factors. Proper care ensures long and abundant fruiting. These beautiful cucumbers have a pleasant taste, both fresh and preserved for the winter.