Characteristics and secrets of growing the cucumber variety "Parker f1"

The Parker F1 cucumber variety was developed in 2007. It was added to the State Register in 2010 as being grown in the southern regions of the Russian Federation. However, it is also cultivated outside of Russia (in Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova). It has gained great popularity due to its versatility. Parker F1 can be grown both outdoors and indoors. This variety is easy to grow and requires little care. Its fruits can be stored for a long time.

Plant characteristics

The Parker F1 cucumber variety is an early-ripening variety. It produces predominantly female flowers, but male buds are also present. Pollination requires the presence of insects (bees, bumblebees).

The plant has a strong stem bearing fruits of equal shape. There are many of them, all of nearly the same size. The bushes are of medium climbing habit. The leaves are grayish-green in color. The surface is slightly wrinkled.

The Parker cucumber variety is indeterminate. This means the bushes are tall and require support or trellising. There should be ample space between the bushes, otherwise they will become too dense, which will inevitably impact the yield. A support or trellis will provide secure support for the plant, helping it focus its energy on fruiting.

Fruit characteristics:

1. The cucumbers have a cylindrical shape.
2. Painted in dark green color.
3. Light stripes run along the entire length.
4. On the skin of cucumbers there are large tubercles with light-colored spines.

The fruits are resistant to yellowing. Parker cucumbers can be used both fresh and for canning. Key features of the fruit:

1. Cucumbers have a uniform shape. If left unharvested for too long, they will grow large and overripe.
2. The fruits have no inclusions, which has a positive effect on their marketable appearance.
3. Length 5-12 cm, diameter does not exceed 5 cm.
4. Average weight 100-120 g.

The taste is excellent. The fruits are juicy and have a pleasant aroma. The cucumbers are virtually free of bitterness. The flesh has a slightly sweet taste.

Key indicators

The variety has a high yield. From 1 m² Agronomists harvest approximately 10-12 kg. The fruits can be picked from early July to mid-October.

Agronomists and gardeners prefer to grow this variety for its good taste, excellent marketability, and ability to withstand long-distance transportation.

Key benefits:

1. The variety is prolific and can bear fruit for about 1.5 months.
2. Most seeds have a high germination rate.
3. Has an early flowering period.
4. It is not afraid of temperature changes and can be grown in regions with cold climates.

The disadvantages include the following:

1. It is not possible to collect your own seeds, since the variety is a hybrid crop.
2. Pollination of the plant can only be achieved by bees, a procedure difficult to carry out in greenhouse conditions.

Factors that reduce cucumber yield:

• lack of heat, sunlight, mineral fertilizers;
• heavy soils;
• watering with cold water;
• growing in drafts;
• uncomfortable temperature during the formation of ovaries;
• absence of insects;
• planting density;
• diseases and pests;
• untimely harvesting of fruits.

Factors that increase yield:

• compliance with all aspects of agricultural technology;
• timely mulching and loosening of the soil;
• timely harvesting;
• To attract pollinating insects, it is necessary to plant plants such as oregano, chrysanthemum, and tansy near cucumber bushes.

The Parker F1 hybrid has the ability to resist the main diseases:

• powdery mildew;
• tobacco mosaic;
• olive spot.

To prevent diseases, pre-plant seeds should be treated. Avoid planting in beds previously occupied by squash, pumpkins, or watermelons. Allow time for seedlings to mature to prevent soil microorganisms from contaminating the plants.

From planting seeds to harvesting the first fruits usually takes 40-45 days.

Features of agricultural technology

Parker cucumbers can be grown in two ways: from seedlings and by direct sowing into the ground. Experienced gardeners and agronomists prefer the seedling method, considering it more reliable. Before sowing, the seeds should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or growth stimulants. Sowing for greenhouses begins on April 1st, and for open ground, from May 1st. The optimal temperature for seed germination is considered to be +25°C. ^OWITH.

The seeds should be planted in prepared containers or peat pots. Fill the containers with soil consisting of:

• humus;
• sand;
• turf in equal proportions.

Using peat pots will allow the plant to be transplanted into the ground without any problems and will speed up its adaptation to the new location. Immediately after transplanting, water the plant using warm, settled water. Next, cover the pots or containers with plastic wrap and place them in a warm location. When the first shoots appear, move the seedlings to a brighter location and remove the plastic wrap.

When growing, several root feedings are necessary. Use 10 g of soluble fertilizer per 10 liters of water. The rate should be 100 ml per plant. The first feeding should be done when the second leaf appears. The second feeding should be done 10 days before planting in its permanent location.

At 1.5 months old, the seedlings can be transplanted to the garden beds. By this time, the plant should have produced 4-5 leaves. Transplant carefully, avoiding damage to the roots. The root collar should not be buried too deep. Fill the holes after watering has drained into the soil. After 3-4 days, you can tie the plant to a support using:

• leg-split;
• linen threads.

The lateral shoots are pinched to prevent them from growing sideways. Formation of a bush This should be done 1-2 times a week, making sure to remove all first- and second-order shoots. The location for the bed should be carefully selected: the soil should be nutritious, loose, and moist. Crop rotation rules must be followed.

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Before planting, test the seeds for germination. To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and drop the seeds in. Those that sink to the bottom are suitable for planting.

Before planting, the beds should be prepared. The necessary mineral fertilizers and humus should be added to the soil. Then the soil should be dug over and thoroughly waterAmmonium phosphate or sodium superphosphate can be used as mineral fertilizers. These fertilizers must be dissolved in water to prevent burning the plant. Typically, the solution is prepared at a ratio of 1:10 liters of water.

Dig holes in the beds about 5 cm deep. Place the seeds in the holes and cover with soil. Mulch the top with straw or sawdust. Leave a distance of about 50-60 cm between the holes.

Main care features:

1. Water in the morning with warm water. This is necessary to prevent the sun's rays from scorching the leaves.
2. Weeding and loosening the soil should be done regularly. This procedure ensures oxygen flow to the plant's roots, which subsequently stimulates their growth.

Gardeners recommend planting this variety under a plastic cover. The bed width should be up to 1 meter. The cover is removed once the threat of frost has passed, that is, after June 15.

Reviews

Nikolay, 49 years old

I've been growing this variety for several years. I always follow all the growing instructions. I prepare the beds thoroughly, tie up the vines, and remove side shoots. The plants grow vigorously, and the fruits are firm and crisp. The flavor is excellent, with a subtle aroma. My wife uses the cucumbers both fresh and for preserves. I highly recommend them.

Svetlana, 36 years old

This is my second year growing this variety. A friend recommended it. I liked the cucumbers. I'd especially like to point out the variety's disease resistance. I consider the fruit's thick skin to be its main drawback.

Oksana, 41 years old

Parker F1 is a bee-pollinated hybrid, so I only plant it outdoors. The variety germinates fairly quickly, but it has a lot of foliage, which requires some trimming. The fruits are firm, the skin is thick, and the flavor is good. Some fruits have a hint of bitterness. This variety is well suited for canning; the cucumbers store well.

Parker F1 cucumbers are popular among agronomists and gardeners. They produce a bountiful harvest, store well under proper conditions, and withstand long transportation. The fruit has a pleasant flavor and can be used as a snack, as well as for commercial and home canning.