Cucumber Meringue: description and characteristics of the variety, planting and care with a photo

Cucumbers have long been among the popular plantings in the gardens of Russian gardeners. One of the main tasks is to choose the right variety, focusing on the climate and soil characteristics in the cultivation area. Every year the number of varieties of cucumbers increases and more and more stress-resistant species appear. Meringue cucumber appeared in 2007 thanks to the efforts of Dutch breeders. Monsanto was the originator. The positive qualities of the variety made it popular outside the homeland. In 2007, it was entered into the State Register of the Russian Federation.

General information

Meringue cucumbers are available for cultivation in most regions of Russia. Reviews of gardeners confirm good yields even in places with not the most favorable climatic conditions. Depending on the temperature characteristics of the region, cucumbers of the popular Meringue f1 variety are cultivated in greenhouses or open ground. Characteristics and description of the cucumber variety:

• Early, harvest occurs 40-50 days from planting.
• Parthenocarpic hybrid.
• Genetically inherent lack of bitterness.
• Medium height.
• Small amount of foliage.
• Not too climby.
• Foliage green, non-wrinkled.
• Average leaf size.
• Beam type of ovary.
• Up to 4 fruits in one set.
• Resistant to many diseases and infections of the gourd family.
• High yield, up to 15 kilograms of cucumbers per square meter.
• Easy to grow.
• Self-pollinating.
• Cucumber resistance to temperature changes.

F1 meringue cucumbers are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, as they do not need pollination by insects. Fruit appearance and technical data:

• Elongated, cylindrical shape.
• Dense core.
• Dark green color.
• Presence of large tubercles.
• Resistance to deformation.
• Prone to yellowing and overgrowing.
• Average weight 80-100 grams.
• Small, size up to 15 centimeters.
• No voids.
• Good tasting.
• No bitterness.

Fitting advice

There are two ways to grow Meringue cucumbers:

1. Seedling method.
2. Seeds are planted directly into the soil.

The originator recommends the first method for Meringue cucumbers. To get he althy seedlings, you should:

• Purchase coconut tablets or briquettes as a planting container.
• Place each seedling in a separate container.
• Plant seeds in moist soil.
• Planting depth 1.5-2 centimeters.
• Close the planting with foil before germination.
• Maintain room temperature.
• Compliance with the light regime, at least 10 hours.
• Regular watering and loosening.
• Hardening before planting.

IMPORTANT! Damage to the root system during transplantation adversely affects the development of the plant.

After 3-4 weeks, the seedlings are ready for sowing. When planting seeds directly into the ground:

• Seeding depth 2-3 cm.
• The distance between rows is at least 50 centimeters.
• Using a film before the first shoots appear.
• Timely moistening and loosening of the soil.

The event for planting seedlings is recommended to be carried out in the evening hours. Pay special attention to the soil. It is advisable to choose a site where cabbage, onions or potatoes were previously cultivated. The soil should not be acidic.Under the condition of vertical cultivation, up to 4 seedling bushes can be placed on 1 square meter of land. The method of vertical cultivation is considered optimal, the bush is formed by tying to a support or net.

Planting a vegetable in open ground takes place in the middle or end of spring. A necessary condition is that the soil temperature is not lower than 15 degrees.

Crop care

The technology of further cultivation consists of observing simple rules of agricultural technology:

• Regular watering.
• Weeding and loosening the soil.
• Pinching shoots.
• Use insecticides subject to pests.
• Timely harvest, at least once every 4-5 days.

Cucumber care includes obligatory feeding. Cucumbers react positively to various fertilizers, any organic matter will do.When choosing nitrogen fertilizers, it is important not to overdo it. Excessive amount adversely affects the development of the plant. It should be carried out during the entire growing season, observing a break of 2 weeks.

Opinion of gardeners

Good day! Having heard positive reviews about Meringue cucumbers, I decided to plant a couple of beds. The variety of the Dutch selection feels great in the conditions of central Russia. In care, the plant turned out to be unpretentious, it is enough to follow the rules of agricultural technology recommended by the originator. The taste of cucumbers is excellent, without bitterness. With pleasure they ate fresh, added to the salad and pickled a couple of jars for the winter. Next year I will definitely select a few beds for the Meringue. I did not find any cons for myself.

Alexander Arnoldovich, 53 years old

Good day! I advise cucumber lovers to try the very fruitful Meringue variety.A self-pollinated plant feels comfortable in a greenhouse and shows a decent harvest. It is better to plant seedlings, so cucumbers can be harvested earlier. Fruit without bitterness, very juicy and sweet. Suitable for fresh consumption and for preparations. Recommended!

Anastasia Polikarpova, 44

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