Cucumber seeds are the best self-pollinating, bunched, long-bearing seeds

Today there is a huge variety of cucumber seeds, among which the most popular are self-pollinating varieties Long-bearing bunch cucumbers are considered the best for both greenhouse and open-field cultivation. Thanks to selective breeding, these varieties produce significantly more ovaries than non-hybrid cucumbers.

Hybrids have become quite popular in modern vegetable growing, as their superiority over common varieties has been proven by both experts and amateurs. Some gardeners avoid hybrid seeds, suspecting they contain GMOs. Breeders, however, insist that hybrid seeds are produced using only traditional breeding methods.

General characteristics of bunch self-pollinating cucumber varieties

Cluster (bouquet) hybrids were developed by crossing several cucumber varieties with female ovaries. Their distinctive feature is their ability to produce a cluster of 4-9 fruits at a time, which form a lush bouquet. Cluster hybrids can be highly, moderately, or weakly branched. The more branches a plant has, the higher its fruiting rate.

Breeders have created bouquet varieties specifically for growing in small greenhouses, as a single plant can yield around 10 kg of vegetables. For pickles and marinades, gardeners use cucumbers with black spines—these are cluster gherkins that can produce up to 12 ovaries at a time. Self-pollinating gherkins are especially popular among gardeners, as these varieties can be grown even by those who can only tend to them on weekends.

Cluster varieties differ from single varieties in their disease resistance and the formation of a larger number of ovaries. Under favorable conditions, the first harvest can be obtained 40-50 days after sowing.

The best self-pollinating varieties with long fruiting period

The disadvantages of self-pollinating cucumbers include their high cost, but one package (5 seeds) produces five plants, which can produce approximately 50 kg of fruit over the entire growing season. The label on these seeds always includes the designation "F1," indicating that this hybrid cannot be propagated indoors, as it will not retain its varietal characteristics.

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Prestige F1

This domestic hybrid was developed by SeDeK breeders for cultivation in the central part of our country. It is a medium-branching, self-pollinating cucumber that produces up to four ovaries per node. The yield is 25 kg per square meter.

The green, tuberculate cucumbers have whitish stripes and are covered with spines. The juicy flesh is pleasantly flavorful and contains a small number of seeds. Cucumbers are used in salads, but they can also be preserved for the winter.

Ginga F1

Ginga F1 seeds were bred in Germany. This self-pollinating variety is classified as a mid-season hybrid. Its medium-branched bushes produce fruits approximately 10 cm long and smaller-than-average green leaves. The weight of a single fruit ranges from 80-90 g. The finely tuberculated surface is a rich green with light stripes. The surface is densely covered with pubescence. The flesh has no bitter taste and contains a small seed chamber. There are no cavities inside the cucumber.

The German variety yields up to 6 kg per square meter. A distinctive feature is its good resistance to diseases such as powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic, and brown spot.

F1 Beam Splendor

This early-ripening Ural hybrid is resistant to sudden temperature fluctuations, pests, and diseases. It is successfully cultivated in Russia's northern regions. Each node contains 3-7 ovaries. With proper care, a single bush can produce approximately 400 fruits during the growing season.

The seeds are planted according to the following pattern: two bushes per square meter. When shaping, it's best to train the bush into a single stem. This promotes fruit set on the main stem, as the plant won't have to expend energy growing side stems.

The cucumber has a smooth, cylindrical shape. The light green surface is covered with small bumps and white spines. The cucumbers have tapered tips and light stripes on the surface of the fruiting body.

This variety has gained considerable popularity due to its excellent taste. The vegetables are not bitter, and their tender flesh has a distinct aroma and a slightly sweet flavor. Cucumbers of this hybrid are versatile – they retain their crunch and firmness even after cooking or pickling.

Okhotny Ryad F1

Okhotny Ryad is an early-ripening cucumber. The medium-branched bush produces 3 to 6 ovaries. The bumpy fruits with white spines reach 8-11 cm. This self-pollinating plant can be grown both outdoors and in small greenhouses. The fruits retain excellent flavor even after heat treatment. A drawback of this variety is its vulnerability to downy mildew, so it's best to take preventative measures.

How to choose cucumber seeds correctly

Before choosing seeds for a particular variety, you should properly assess the growing conditions (greenhouse or open ground conditions, soil quality, and regularity of care). After that, you can begin selecting the right seeds.

First, be sure to read the label, which lists the cucumber's name and includes a close-up photo of the fruit. Information on the back of the package is often unclear to novice gardeners, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the basic parameters:

1. Pollination method. when choosing seeds for a greenhouse it is better Self-pollinating or parthenocarpic (non-pollinating) hybrids are best. If the plant will be growing outdoors, bee-pollinated varieties can be purchased.

   

2. Branching type. All bushes are classified as weakly, moderately, and strongly branched. The more lateral shoots formed, the longer the fruiting period.
3. Pubescence type. The cucumber fruiting body is almost always covered in tubercles, with hairs growing from the center. These hairs can be white (white-spined) or black (black-spined), and sometimes brown. White-spined cucumbers are suitable for salads; they have delicate skin and juicy flesh. Black-spined varieties have a tougher skin, which helps the fruit maintain its shape during cooking.
4. Ripening period. This parameter should be based on the climate and growing conditions. Early cucumbers bear fruit in July, mid-season cucumbers in late summer, and late cucumbers in September.

Every cucumber variety has its own peculiarity, therefore, beginning gardeners are advised to sow several varieties at once in order to select the most suitable one.

Secrets to Successfully Growing Tufted Hybrids

To maximize the number of ovaries and obtain a plant with a long fruiting period, strictly follow the seed sowing instructions on the packaging. When sowing, it's important to avoid overcrowding. Caring for cucumbers includes maintaining the correct temperature, regular watering, and optimal lighting and humidity levels. Strongly branched hybrids should be tied to a trellis and pinched regularly.

Fertilizers should be applied no more than four times per month. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be applied with caution, as excess nitrogen negatively impacts fruit development. The amount of complex fertilizer applied weekly should not exceed 15 g per 1 m². To prevent plant diseases, it is recommended to periodically spray the stems with special growth stimulants. These not only prevent disease but also stimulate the formation of new fruit.

To speed up the ripening process of vegetables, experienced gardeners recommend placing a large container of rotted grass or manure in the greenhouse. The contents of the container release carbon dioxide, which helps accelerate the growth and ripening of the fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

By choosing bouquet varieties, you can get an excellent harvest in a relatively small space. Furthermore, these hybrids can be grown not only in greenhouses but also outdoors. Their ease of care and disease resistance make them suitable for even novice gardeners.