The unusual cucumber variety Asterix F1 was bred in the Netherlands by Bejo Zaden BV in 1995 and is now in great demand among vegetable growers. The authors of this hybrid are V.I. Putyatin, V.S. Ilyin, and N.A. Ilyina. Asterix F1 is a mid-season hybrid plant. Its distinctive feature is the distribution of its fruits on the stem. Fruits on underdeveloped lateral shoots rarely ripen fully, and those that do ripen are located on the main stem.
Description of the plant and characteristics of the variety
Asterix has small, medium-sized bushes with few lateral shoots. The flowers are predominantly female. The leaves are slightly darker than those of other cucumbers, medium-sized, richly green, and slightly wrinkled, with wavy edges.
In the Russian State Register, this species is included in two regions and is grown primarily in the Central Black Earth Region (Ryazan, Moscow, Bryansk, Kaluga regions, and others) and in the Central Black Earth Region (Belgorod, Kursk, Tambov regions, and others).
The vegetative period of Asterix F1 ranges from 48 to 54 days. Other characteristic features of the variety:
- elongated cylindrical appearance of fruits, ribbing, roundness in cross section;
- white spines, intense green color and thin but strong skin;
- the approximate weight of one vegetable is 80-90 g, and the length is from 10 to 12 cm;
- juicy and crispy pulp;
- pleasant taste and genetic absence of bitterness;
- its fruits are used both for canning and fresh;
- The plant is pollinated by bees, as it is not a parthenocarpic hybrid, but a bee-pollinated hybrid.
The variety has a well-developed root system, which facilitates the intensive absorption of nutrients and moisture found in the soil.
It bears fruit equally well both in full sun and under cover. The average marketable yield per bush is 1,320,321 centners per hectare, which directly depends on the soil and its mineral and nutrient content. The vegetable thrives even in unfavorable drought and hot climates. However, its only weakness is sudden temperature drops and cold snaps.
This culture has many more advantages than disadvantages:
- high taste qualities and pleasant consistency;
- versatility – the hybrid is suitable for winter canning, pickling, and fresh consumption, for example, in salads;
- crop stability;
- marketability;
- good tolerance to various natural conditions;
- immunity to common diseases;
- the seeds are few in number and watery, so they are almost not felt when consumed;
- high regenerative capacity;
- long fruiting period.
Against all these advantages, there are only a couple of drawbacks: poor cold tolerance and the loss of all fruits if harvested late. In the latter case, subsequent fruits simply won't be able to grow and ripen fully.
Resistance to external environment
https://youtu.be/d6dKSVZMzEU
Asterix F1 is resistant to brown olive spot, cladosporiosis, powdery mildew, and cucumber mosaic virus. However, it can still be affected by downy mildew.
Melon aphids, slugs, whiteflies, and spider mites are pests that can cause problems for your plant. They can be controlled with insecticides:
- from spider mites Usually Actofit is used;
- Actellic is suitable for other insects.
The crop is ideal for growing in southern regions because it tolerates heat and drought well. In northern and central Russia, it is grown in greenhouses, as low temperatures pose the greatest threat to the harvest.
Features of agricultural technology
Hybrid seeds do not require soaking; they must be pre-treated with a fungicide, which some companies do to prevent fungal infection.
Cucumbers of this variety can be cultivated using two methods:
- direct sowing of seeds into the soil;
- through seedlings (applicable in cold regions, where the soil warms up well only in the first month of summer).
The first method involves placing the seeds in open, warm soil during the day for 16-20 OBefore planting, the soil needs to be prepared by filling the gaps with a homemade mixture of peat, humus, and sand with mineral fertilizers. Then, moisten it and create spaces for the seeds. Typically, the sowing depth is 1.5 to 2 cm, no more. It is recommended to maintain the greenhouse effect by covering the seeds with plastic film.
The second method is seedlings. A homemade substrate of sawdust, humus, and soil, or a potting mix, is ideal for growing seedlings. Disinfect the soil by spraying it with Extrasol or another disinfectant. Place the seeds 2 cm deep in each container. When seedlings emerge, it's best to move the plants to an east- or south-facing windowsill. Fertilizing is optional. When transplanting the seedlings (at 3 weeks old) to their permanent location, treat the roots with a special root stimulant called Zircon.
Growing and care
Seedlings don't like direct sunlight, so they should be initially shaded, and then exposed to light after some time during fruit development. It's crucial to follow all hybrid care procedures to ensure high-quality produce, a large, tasty harvest, and beautiful fruit. Cucumber care includes:
- garter;
- top dressing;
- watering;
- loosening.
The soil should never be dry, it is necessary water the bushes generously, 4 to 6 times a week. It is better to use warm, settled water.
Loosening the soil can help ensure the roots receive oxygen, but you must be careful and consider the location and size of the root system to avoid damaging it. Once a month is recommended. fertilize the soil with fertilizers from multivitamins or a mullein solution. You can also mulch the ground rotted sawdust or peat.
Many of them will fall off and dry out, while about 1/5 will become ripe vegetables. This phenomenon can be caused by:
- low temperatures;
- watering with water that is not warm enough;
- lack of nutrition and light.
To prevent a poor harvest, it's important to train the plant. Approximately 14-15 days after planting, it's recommended to secure the plants to a horizontal trellis with strong rope (twine). Since the growing stem will eventually need to be wrapped around the twine, the top of the stems is left free. Once the stem reaches the top of the support, it's tied up and pinched The top. Next, blinding is carried out by removing excess lateral shoots, flowers, and tendrils down to the lower third leaf.
You may be interested in:The harvest should be collected from the main shoot. Two or three shoots that form later in the leaf axils are thrown over the support and directed downward so they grow toward the ground. Then, they are pinched off a meter from the ground. Fruit should be set on the main shoot first, and then on the side shoots.
Reviews
Antanel, 42 years old
I bought cucumber seeds from the Dutch Asterix F1 line. It turned out to be a good variety, despite being pollinated. This time, I bought a couple of different varieties and planted them in the community greenhouse. Seeds of this variety aren't the cheapest; this line is generally expensive, and the seeds are rare, not always suitable for our conditions. There are actually only a few ovaries per node, but they all set. And there are virtually no male flowers. Regarding the taste, I can say that this is one of the few varieties with such a wonderfully crisp texture, cucumbers with few bumps, and they're delicious!
Nadezhda, 34 years old
It was a very dry summer, and I was growing this particular cucumber variety. I was really worried it wouldn't work out, but I needn't have been! The harvest was excellent and delicious, so I can confirm all the good things written here.
Sergey, 63 years old
I bought a pack of seeds. There weren't many in the package, but they all sprouted. A good start for the future harvest. There were only a few ovaries at one node, but they all set. The stems grew quite tall, and cucumbers grew along their entire length. I still haven't found any male flowers. The cucumbers are delicious and crisp, I'll be planting more.
The Asterix F1 variety is suitable for cultivation in both southern regions and northern and central climates. It has a well-developed root system and strong immunity to many diseases. To obtain a bountiful harvest, simply follow the essential growing and care guidelines. The plant is quite prolific, and most importantly, it produces a shiny, crisp, and delicious cucumber suitable for canning, pickling, or shredding into salads straight from the garden.
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