Cucumber variety Adam: growing, planting, and care, photos

The Adam cucumber is a parthenocarpic hybrid. It was bred in the Netherlands by BejoZaden BV. It was officially registered in Russia only in 2002. This early-ripening, indeterminate, and medium-sized variety grows to a height equal to the height at which the central stem is pinched. It is self-pollinating and suitable for both greenhouse and open ground cultivation. The stems are strong and thick, with medium-sized, dark-green leaves.

Characteristics

The Adam cucumber is quite popular among gardeners, which is understandable. It ripens in 45-50 days from the moment the shoots appear. The yield is 10 kg/m3.²Fruiting continues until nighttime and daytime temperatures drop to +8°C. Germination rate is 95%. It is not recommended to collect cucumber seeds for subsequent planting, as this will not achieve the desired results.

Fruit:

• green;
• cylindrical;
• without unevenness;
• up to 12 cm in length;
• up to 3 cm in width;
• green or dark green;
• the weight does not exceed 90g;
• with small thorns.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Adam has a number of advantages that make it appreciated by both experts and enthusiasts. These include:

• excellent yield;
• early fruiting, which lasts for a long period;
• excellent presentation;
• good taste;
• resistance to long-term transportation;
• long-term preservation;
• resistance to pests and diseases.

Due to these characteristics, it is chosen by novice gardeners, but it is worth paying attention to the disadvantages:

1. There is no possibility to use seeds for subsequent planting of a new crop.
2. The skin is too thin, which requires maximum care when handling and preparing for pickling.

The location and planting conditions do not affect the yield and quality of vegetables.

Resistance to diseases and pests

This plant's immune system is strong, but this doesn't preclude the development of certain problems. Possible diseases:

1. Downy mildew. Leaves begin to change color, and their surface becomes covered with brownish spots, causing them to dry out.
2. Anthracnose. A disease that causes foliage to turn brown and gradually dry out, ultimately leading to plant death.
3. Gray mold. It attacks the stem, with the first signs being a white coating where the rot will later spread. The affected bush should be destroyed or burned, and the remaining cucumbers should be treated.
4. Sclerotinia. It can damage the root system, stems, and even the fruit itself. If the disease is detected, not only the bush but also the fruits should be destroyed.

In addition to disease, insect attacks are possible. Most often, aphids attack the bushes, causing them to develop slowly. Nematodes feed on the plant's sap, sucking out all the nutrients.

The mole cricket can destroy the roots and shoots of cucumbers, which negatively impacts yield. Controlling these insects is quite difficult, as they live underground.

Planting seedlings

In recent years, gardeners have been using the seedling method. This method allows for a large harvest in the shortest possible time. Work begins in mid-spring, and the growing period lasts about a month and a half. To achieve favorable results, simply follow these steps:

• brief stratification of seeds, for which they are placed in the refrigerator for 1-3 days;
• germination of the material, which needs to be done in a wet cloth in a warm place.

Some manufacturers recommend skipping the germination period, but this is not recommended. Additionally, they:

• preparing a container for seedlings, for which a peat pot or plastic containers with drainage are suitable;
• filling the container with soil, but only fertile, healthy soil purchased from a specialty store;
• placing seeds in holes 1-2 cm deep and then covering them with soil.

To significantly accelerate germination, the container containing the future seedlings should be covered with plastic film to create a greenhouse effect. The room temperature should be no lower than 23°C and no higher than 30°C.

Without sufficient light, stems may become elongated and thin. To prevent this, install a grow light.

Care consists of:

• timely watering;
• applying 1-2 additional fertilizers;
• transplantation into greenhouse conditions or open ground after 2-3 true leaves have formed;
• hardening before planting for 7-10 days, for which the containers with the plant are taken out into the open air every day.

Planting in the garden bed is done when the air temperature is stable and has reached +15+19C.

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Placing the crop in open ground

To grow cucumbers in a garden bed or indoors, you need to build a trellis in advance. Experts recommend purchasing a large plastic mesh, which is then stretched between the posts. Plant in fertile, healthy, and cultivated soil. Cow manure is a good fertilizer, applied at a rate of 2-3 buckets per square meter.².

Be sure to check what plants were grown in the garden bed last year. It's acceptable to place Adam in the following locations:

• potatoes;
• beans;
• peas;
• cabbage.

It's not advisable to neglect organic waste. Planting should be done in early summer, and the seedlings should be transplanted with a ball of soil. They need to be watered regularly and mulched. The latter procedure is not mandatory, but it's best not to skip it.

To directly sow without preparing seedlings, the same time period is chosen: early summer. The seeding depth is 3 cm. Since cultivation will be carried out using a trellis, the planting pattern is 25-30 cm x 60-70 cm. Cucumbers grow well on the side of the greenhouse, and two rows on either side of the trellis are acceptable.

Care Features

All cucumbers, regardless of variety, type, or species, require proper care. To maintain a consistent yield, rotate the planting site each year. Regularly weed and loosen the soil around the beds. Regular hilling is essential to cover exposed roots.

Moisturizing features:

1. Watering before flowering should be weekly.
2. Once fruiting is detected, it is increased to 2 times a week.
3. During dry periods, water the beds daily, but only in the evening. This will ensure the greens are sweet, juicy, and delicious.
4. If tap water is used, use pre-settled water to remove chlorine. The recommended water temperature is 24°C.

It's important to monitor the condition of the leaves. In extreme heat, they will dry out quickly, leading to dehydration of the seedlings and wilting of the shoots. During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized at least five times, preferably with organic fertilizers, which should be combined with mineral ones.

Organic compounds include ash and humus. Nitrogen supplements are added during the growth phase, and once ovaries begin to form, complex supplements are needed. Cow manure or bird droppings infusion are considered the best options. If these are unavailable, store-bought products can be used:

• Fertility;
• Ideal
• Sodium Humate.

Excess nitrogen causes delayed flowering, thinning of stems, and overgrowth of foliage, resulting in a rich green color. Excess phosphorus causes foliage to turn yellow, necrotic spots to develop, and foliage to fall off.

Gardeners find it convenient to form crops by installing a trellis. To do this, you need:

• pinch the stepsons;
• tie the vines with twine, hooking the central one;
• tie up as it grows;
• pinch the central shoot or drape it over the trellis so that growth continues downwards once it reaches the top of the support.

When forming, it is necessary to take into account that:

• In a long and hot summer, you can get a larger harvest, so there is no need to pinch;
• If there is no need for a high yield, then all the side shoots are cut off at once.

The fruits will gradually move from the bottom to the top, and therefore it is necessary to periodically remove the leaves growing from the bottom, right up to the nearest ovaries.

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Feedback from those

The variety's undeniable advantage is its high-quality, tasty fruit, which grows regardless of planting location, provided it receives proper care. Adam has become a favorite among many gardeners.

Veronica, 35 years old.

This year, I decided to plant this variety of cucumbers. The fruits turned out smooth, dark green, and slightly thorny. The foliage isn't large, and the yield was impressive. What I liked most is that it doesn't take up much space, allowing me to grow many more plants in my garden. I have no complaints about care or disease.

Victoria, 43 years old.

This variety is worth choosing for those who are willing to take great care of their vegetables. I planted this crop and was very pleased. I've pickled, marinated, and added it to salads. It's not bitter and produces a high yield. Everyone in the family loved the fruits. I highly recommend it.

The Adam variety is one of many early-ripening cucumbers. They are considered versatile, suitable for pickling, fresh eating, and marinating.