Growing cucumbers in the open field in the Leningrad region: the best varieties with photos

Today we will look at the best varieties of cucumbers for growing in the Leningrad region: types, timing, and more. Of course, cucumbers are a demanding and capricious culture, they need sunlight, which, alas, is not so much in the Leningrad Region. But this is no reason not to grow cucumbers.

Climate features of this region

Before you start discussing the types of cucumbers for planting in open ground, you need to understand the nuances of the climate of the Leningrad Region.This region is large, and the methods of planting and growing cucumbers in the northern and southern parts are different. For example, in the northeast, growing a crop will not bear much fruit. But in the southern, central parts of this region, anyone can grow this crop. An excellent result is considered when the yield is from 5 to 8 kg of fruit per square meter.

You should also pay attention to the temperature regime. For example, in the Leningrad region, 1 year out of 5 brings a long spring and a cold summer, and this adversely affects the harvest. In general, this region is recognized as an area of risk farming, since its climate does not allow for normal farming.

How to increase yields

Experienced gardeners have developed several methods to increase yields or reduce the risks of non-production by growing crops in this unfavorable region.

• You need to immediately plant several varieties or hybrids that are suitable for growing them in open ground. Many mistakenly believe that if a particular variety produced a decent harvest in any given year, it will happen again. Alas, but no, it is necessary to pay attention to the types of cucumbers that are resistant to cold, as well as resistant to various diseases. You should also choose varieties that ripen relatively quickly (up to about 45 days). The harsh conditions of the Leningrad region make it impossible to expect more.
• Self-pollinated and parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers. Such species are used in special greenhouses, as well as greenhouses, but in the harsh corners of Russia they make sense. All due to the fact that there are not so many sunny days in the Leningrad region. It makes no sense to completely abandon varieties pollinated by insects, because they are useful and have many advantages.
• Covering plants. Since the weather in the Leningrad region is cold and cloudy, cucumbers simply need to be covered: with a film or material not made of fabric. To do this, you will need to build special structures that will resemble an arc in shape.

If you follow all the recommendations and provide the plants with the right care, then the probability of growing a good crop even in such an unfavorable climate increases by 30 percent.

Important conditions

To get a decent harvest, it is important not only to choose the right seeds, but also to prepare the soil. This should be started in the fall, it is advisable to add chicken manure, humus or ash to the soil.

Although the climate in the Leningrad region is not dry, you still need to make sure that the soil is sufficiently moist, in no case does it dry out, this can adversely affect the plant.

In order for the earth to receive useful minerals, it is enough to scatter any dry litter on its surface, and then simply dig it up in the usual way, after which it is necessary to water the soil. Please note that it is not worth irrigating with tap water, you need to insist it for at least a few hours, and then use it for irrigation.

It is very important to prepare cucumber seeds for planting. It is necessary immediately after purchase to lower them into a weak solution of potassium permanganate in order to get rid of various kinds of pests and diseases. It is desirable that they were in solution for at least 30 minutes. Next, you should soak the seed, laying it on moistened gauze. Keep the seeds out of water or they may rot. When sprouts appear, the material for sowing can be planted in the ground, but only if it has already warmed up well.

In this region, the germination rate is lower than in others, no need to be afraid, the seeds will germinate in the near future. In some cases, the first leaves will appear three weeks after planting. After sowing, you need to immediately feed the seeds.

Feeding

During the irrigation period, at least 4 feeding of cucumbers should be done:

• After planting cucumbers in the ground.
• As soon as three fully formed leaves appear.
• During the period when flowering will occur.
• When the fruits appear.

In order for a plant to bear fruit well, it needs nitrogen. If it is not enough, this can be seen in the appearance of cucumbers: the leaves may curl, wither, become hook-shaped, flowers may fall.

Even if you have carefully prepared the soil, the fertilizing period cannot be avoided. For this, the same ordinary bird droppings or any organic type fertilizers are used.

Optimal varieties for growing in the Leningrad region

Now let's discuss varieties of cucumbers for open ground in the Leningrad region.

Madagascar

These cucumbers grow fast and taste good. Their main feature, which attracts many summer residents, is that a huge part of the greens is formed on the lash, which is the main one. This makes it possible to collect fruits exclusively on Saturday and Sunday. Among their characteristics, it is worth noting the following:

Fruits are cylindrical, short.

The weight of one cucumber is not more than 90 grams.

Growed cucumbers are used for preservation, in pickles or just eaten raw.

Fast and Furious

This species boasts precocity. The harvest will be after 38 days, which pleases. The hybrid has the following features:

The shape of the fruit is cylindrical and the color is dark green.

Fruits are small in size, no more than 12 centimeters long.

Openwork

The peculiarity of this species is long-term fruiting, and the first cucumbers will be already after 40 days. The variety is resistant to most diseases. The fruits are small, the length is no more than 11 centimeters.

Athos

These cucumbers are used both for planting in greenhouse conditions and for open ground. The fruits of this species are small, no more than 9 cm long. They are dark green in color with small tubercles. Cucumbers will be crispy and eaten both fresh and canned.

Claudius

The main feature of the plant is its rapid growth and immunity to many diseases. The fruits are formed in the form of a cylinder, and on the outside they have black spikes, the length of which is 10 centimeters.

Russian Emerald F1

This species is mid-season, and the first harvest should be expected after 50-55 days. The variety is the best for its further conservation. The fruits are large, have white spikes and a dark green color. Length about 9-10 cm.

Sweet crunch F1

This species is different from the rest. It has a light color close to white. By the way, the name of the hybrid was given for a reason, the Sweet Crunch F1 variety is so pleasant that it cannot be expressed in words.

Greenhouse varieties

Now let's look at a few varieties that are suitable for greenhouse cultivation.

Erika

This species is resistant to diseases and is used for breeding in film greenhouses. Among the characteristics, the following should be highlighted:

• The shape of the fruit is a cylinder.
• Cucumber length - 12 cm.
• The weight of one fruit is from 110 to 120 grams.
• The length of the bushes can reach up to 3.5 meters.

Juventa

This hybrid is grown during the winter-spring period. It has excellent taste and boasts the following characteristics:

• Fetal weight from 220 to 280 grams.
• The shape of cucumbers is cylindrical.

Our Dasha

This species is mid-season and is suitable for planting in spring and summer in a greenhouse covered with a film and without heating. Its main features:

• Fruits are long, all tubercles.
• The weight of one cucumber does not exceed 90 grams.
• The bushes are vigorous, however, there are few branches.
• The variety is able to withstand low temperatures and some diseases.

All these species are excellent varieties of cucumbers for the Leningrad region for greenhouses.

Emelya

This hybrid is not afraid of diseases and brings a considerable harvest. It is grown in film greenhouses or heated greenhouses. Its fruits are long - 15 cm, and the weight varies from 130 to 170 grams.

Zozulya

This species is similar to the previous one, but its fruits are both small and large. Weight can reach up to 280 grams. Cucumbers are suitable for preservation.

Tchaikovsky

This hybrid belongs to the early ones, its fruits are all in black spikes with small pimples. These cucumbers can be planted and grown in film greenhouses or glasshouses. The fruits will surprise you with an unsurpassed taste.

You can find many more varieties, but these are excellent tasting, persistent and produce a good harvest.

Conclusion

Now you know how to properly grow cucumbers in the Leningrad region in the open field. In fact, it's easy if you know the climatic features of the region.

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