Cucumber variety "Real Colonel": growing, planting, and care, photos

The "True Colonel" cucumber was added to the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2004. This versatile variety requires no special care. It is parthenocarpic, self-pollinating, and ripens quickly. It can be grown in greenhouses and open ground. Cultivation is recommended in the central and northern regions. The cultivar's originator is the Manul seed breeding and agricultural firm.

Characteristic

The plant is predominantly female-flowering and indeterminate, meaning the stem grows indefinitely. Branching is medium or slightly lower. The bushes are vigorous and massive. The main stem reaches up to two meters in height. The ovary is characteristically clustered (bouquet-shaped). The leaves are medium-sized, green, with straight edges. Up to three flowers are produced per axil. From the emergence of the first seedlings to fruit ripening, no more than 45 days pass.

Vegetables:

• spindle-shaped, cylindrical;
• pronounced light ribbing;
• not a long neck and large tubercles.

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The skin is bright green, tender, and thin, with subtle white stripes and small spines. They reach 15 centimeters in length, 4 centimeters in diameter, and weigh approximately 120 grams. They have a slightly sweet, non-bitter taste. Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or canned.

True Colonel cucumbers are highly productive. Fruiting is influenced by:

• watering;
• top dressing;
• soil density;
• landing site;
• temperature.

Under the right growing conditions, up to 12 kilograms can be harvested from one square meter. With timely fertilizing, the harvest can continue until the onset of cold weather.

Positive qualities:

• the plant does not require pollination, therefore it can be grown even on a balcony;
• early maturity;
• harvest before frost;
• disease resistance;
• delicious, crispy vegetables.

Negative properties:

• significant influence of weather conditions on crop yield;
• The average germination rate of seeding is approximately 60%.

Cucumbers are demanding in terms of care, and the average germination rate of seeds is compensated by the sufficient quantity of vegetables and their excellent taste.

Features of agricultural technology of the variety

There are several ways to grow: in open ground, in greenhouses, or using trellises. Seeds should be spaced 50 centimeters apart to avoid crowding. Excessive soil moisture can also have negative consequences, affecting the quality of the entire harvest. It's best to plant seedlings, and in open areas in southern regions, seeds can also be sown.

The soil for planting must be prepared. The plant yields especially well if the soil is rich in minerals:

• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• nitrogen.

Replenish the balance with a simple method: mix sand with ash and wood humus before planting and spread it over the beds. Plant during the hottest period, preferably on days when the air temperature has reached 18 degrees Celsius.

Watering cucumbers is essential:

1. Watering in the greenhouse should be done once every 6-8 days.
2. In open areas, water the soil depending on the amount of rainfall. During dry periods, watering can be done every two days.
3. Carefully monitor the moisture that accumulates on the leaves and stems to avoid various fungal diseases.

Plants require fertilization; they need to be fed with minerals containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Excess nitrogen in the soil can lead to deformities in the entire crop.

The "True Colonel" variety can be grown without shaping because the vines grow slowly. During the ripening period, excess branches can be trimmed with pruning shears, leaving the main stem untouched. In greenhouse conditions, the vines should be tied vertically to the "ceiling." Using a trellis can significantly simplify plant care and ensure proper bush maintenance. This method also ensures the vines receive sufficient sunlight.

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The trellis must be securely and firmly anchored to the ground, otherwise winds can damage the growing cucumbers. The structure should be at least two meters high. It should be made of wood or any metal pipes. As the cucumbers grow, tie them to the trellis netting.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The hybrid is resistant to many diseases, both fungal and bacterial. However, prevention never hurts; it minimizes the risk of infection.

The variety is resistant to the following diseases:

• brown spot;
• mosaic infection;
• root and basal rot;
• powdery mildew.

To prevent risks, bushes should be treated with solutions that can be made at home.

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A real colonel is attacked by pests such as:

• snails and slugs;
• spider mite, which affects most cultivated plants;
• melon aphid, which most often settles on leaves.

It's best to combat them in the fall by digging up the soil and leaving it out in the cold. This will kill most of the insect larvae. If pests do infest cucumber bushes, they can be removed with pesticides and by hand picking. Onions and garlic, as well as dill planted between the rows, repel insects.

Reviews

Matilda, 31 years old

I'd like to tell you about some wonderful seeds I've been planting for several years now. They're the "True Colonel" variety from Manul. I start the seeds as seedlings, not in open ground. Then, only after the outside temperature reaches 18 degrees Celsius, do I plant the shoots in open ground. This year, the whole family has already begun enjoying the amazing cucumbers. They bloom profusely, followed by the cucumbers. The cucumbers grow sweet and rich in flavor. They are oblong, smooth, and have small bumps.

Alexey, 45 years old

It wasn't by chance that I fell upon the "Real Colonel" variety of seeds. Friends from my garden last season praised and shared their delicious cucumbers. They're easy to plant, both outdoors and in a greenhouse. They produce a consistent, high-quality harvest. They're excellent for pickling and marinating. I definitely recommend everyone try this cucumber variety.

Alina, 34 years old

I'm grateful to a woman I know from a neighboring garden for the recommendation. She was the one who once offered me a cucumber whose flavor I really liked. Crisp, rich, and slightly sweet. I decided to ask her about the variety of seeds. The plant is self-pollinating, so I immediately planted the seeds in the greenhouse. Luckily, it was July, and my cucumbers had already turned yellow and were heading for compost. About 17 days later, I got my first cucumbers. I fell in love with the variety completely. Of course, I started planting them every year. They also go great for pickling. They're a pleasure to touch because they don't have any large pimples or thorns.

The Real Colonel variety is grown in typical cucumber conditions. Loose, cultivated soil is used, and seedlings are planted directly into the ground. Care is provided with fertilizer and water, and support is provided by trellises and staking.