Cucumbers "Asterix F1": features of the variety, planting and care
Cucumbers are liked by almost all people, and it is difficult to find a garden where they do not grow. But it is quite difficult even for experienced summer residents and farmers to navigate in all the variety of modern varieties. Today we will talk about what the Asterix F1 cucumber is.
Peculiarities
The plant was bred by the Dutch breeding company Bejo Zaden B.V. At the same time, the leading developers of the variety come from Russia, so they are personally familiar with local conditions. The plant must be pollinated by bees. The interval from germination to fruit formation is an average of 48-54 days. Other main features of the culture are:
- developed and effectively absorbing moisture root system;
- average growth of bushes;
- green dark leaves of moderate size;
- fruits with whitish thorns, close to a cylinder in shape.
The mass of a vegetable can reach 70-90 g, while it grows up to 100-120 mm in length. Minor spots and stripes of white on the skin are normal. Depending on the observance of the principles of agricultural technology, the share of marketable fruits in the entire crop ranges from 80 to 97%. "Asterix F1" performs well:
- in fresh cutting for salads;
- after salting;
- when rolling into banks.
The characteristics of the hybrid allow it to successfully survive hot dry periods. Therefore, the plant is recommended for the southern regions of the country. It is also useful that it is very well protected from:
- true and false powdery mildew;
- cucumber mosaics;
- olive blotch.
Growing Information
The official botanical register of the Russian Federation indicates that "Asterix F1" is suitable for the center of the European part and for the central Black Earth region. A unique feature of the variety is that it can reproduce by budding. As a result, the earliest harvest is grouped on the main stem. Lateral shoots are developed much worse and almost never mature 100%. Cucumbers of this variety give a developed and stable fruit, are considered sun-loving, but the seedlings do not tolerate direct lighting.
It is very important, judging by the reviews, to remove ripe fruits in a timely manner. Violation of this rule will lead to the complete death of the collection, and the growth rate of plants will not allow you to get a new crop. Seed sprouts appear at the same time. But this requires a thorough fertilization of the site. Seedlings and sowing seeds are equally effective in growing Asterix F1.
direct seeding
This landing is recommended in mid-May. It's a good idea to choose seed that has been pre-treated with fungicides. If there is no such material, protection must be provided with your own hands by soaking in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate. After several minutes of soaking, the seeds are transferred to clean warm water for about a quarter of an hour, while it is better to choose the largest specimens from all the seeds.
Landing in the ground can be carried out after the seeds have completely dried. Moist sawdust is an ideal auxiliary fertilizer. If holes are used, then two seeds are planted in each. The distance between the individual holes is 120 mm. The distance from one bed to another is 0.6 m.
Seedling application
As usual, this solution allows you to achieve the earliest and tastiest harvests - no matter at home, in the garden or in the greenhouse.It is advisable to use land mixtures that are prepared by hand. It is best to wait for the seeds to plant a temperature of 21 to 25 degrees. When early foliage appears, immediately lower the temperature to 18-19 degrees and move the seedlings to a cooler place.
It is categorically unacceptable to use containers where fermented milk products used to be for growing cucumbers.
Growing procedure
A natural requirement for growing cucumbers is the constant watering of the shrub. It is best to do this 4-6 times every week, but in hot weather you need to water more often. In any case, the intensity of watering is determined by the dryness of the soil. Every month, the earth is fed with complex vitamin compositions and trace elements. Special treatment to protect against mildew, oidium is not required - the plant itself is able to protect itself from them.
It is worth refraining from planting Asterix F1 seeds in situations where the likelihood of prolonged cold snaps is not ruled out. Soaking seed (as opposed to fungicide treatment) is not recommended. Holes or furrows where seeds are planted must be filled with:
- peat;
- suitable mineral fertilizers;
- humus;
- sand.
As soon as the first large leaves grow, it is necessary to feed the roots. Observance of a strict lighting regime helps to avoid excessive stretching of seedlings. As for other varieties, it is recommended to plant "Asterix" where cabbage, potatoes and legumes used to grow (the exception is beans). For irrigation, it is required to take water heated to 20-25 degrees. Its consumption is from 25 to 30 liters per 1 sq. m. Top dressing in the soil is most often done with urea, ammonium nitrate or superphosphate.For root dressing, a warm solution of bird droppings or animal manure is best suited. Foliar feeding is carried out every seven days.
If the plant is affected by a fungus, the infected areas have to be cut out and burned. The rest of the plantings are treated with fungicides such as "Ridomil" or "Oksihom".
You will learn more about Asterix F1 cucumbers from the following video.