Cucumber variety Chinese snake (F1)

Cucumber varieties, united by one name "Chinese cucumber", are very interesting not only externally. They have excellent qualities, thanks to which the interest and respect for them on the part of gardeners is growing. Among the unusual novelties of this variety is the Chinese snake, bred by the breeders of the Gavrish Breeding Firm LLC. The novelty was announced in 2013, entered into the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Russia in 2015. Has admission in all regions of the country. Recommended for growing in private farms in film greenhouses and under film shelters. It is a hybrid, therefore it is always labeled F1.

There are seeds of varieties called Chinese snakes or Chinese snakes on sale, but they do not appear in the State Register. There is no F1 mark on the seed package. In the description, the varieties are described as bee-pollinated, which already contradicts the recommendations to grow this crop in greenhouses. Therefore, we will rely on the data of the State Register, comparing this information with that obtained from other sources.

Description

The plant is indeterminate, tall and fast-growing. According to some reports, the height of cucumbers in the greenhouse reaches 3.0 meters and above. Strong branching, good foliage, making the bush look quite powerful. The leaves are large, three- or five-lobed, long-petiolate, dark green, rough. The flowering type is mixed. Of the flowers formed in one node, there will be from 1 to 2 female flowers.

Zelenets Chinese snake is elongated-cylindrical, with a short handle, long - from 50 cm and more. Until a certain moment, the fruit is erect, but then its top begins to bend like a snake's tail, it is because of this similarity that the hybrid got its name. The coloration is dark green with short stripes. The surface of the cucumber is large-lumpy, tubercles with thorns, are located quite rarely. The skin is thin, delicate, not rough during growth. The pulp of the variety is dense, without voids, very tender, juicy, aromatic, with a small seed chamber. The taste is sweetish, there is no bitterness. The taste is excellent. The weight of the fetus according to the State Register is 300 - 400 grams.

Characteristics

• In the State Register, the hybrid is described as early ripening, in other sources, the ripening period is indicated as mid-early - the crop ripens 50 days after germination;
• according to the State Register, the marketable yield in film greenhouses was 8.2 - 9.3 kg per square meter. According to information from seed producers, the yield of the Chinese snake can reach up to 30 kg per 1 sq. meters;
• the fruiting period is extended, the cucumber crop is formed and ripens before the onset of frost;
• the variety has high immunity - there is resistance to the tobacco mosaic virus, cladosporium disease, powdery mildew and downy mildew;
• high resistance to various pests;

• the variety is famous for its excellent plasticity, which allows it to quickly adapt to changes in the external environment - temperature changes etc.;
• the culture is not demanding on lighting, it can grow in partial shade;
• the transportability of cucumbers is not bad, but keeping quality is the weak point of the variety. If storage is required, then the fruit must be packed in a plastic bag to prevent moisture evaporation, and put in the refrigerator;
• the way of use is universal. The sweet and tender pulp of zelentz is great for salads; okroshka is prepared from them. The harvest of the Chinese snake is also suitable for salting, canning. True, for this, the long fruit is cut into pieces of the desired length.

Agrotechnics

Since this variety is recommended for indoor growing, it is best to choose a seedling method for growing. True, the germination of seed often leaves much to be desired, therefore, if you plan to plant a large number of bushes, it is best to purchase seeds with a margin. For seedlings, seeds are sown 20 - 30 days before the intended transplantation into the ground, seedlings are considered ready for planting, which have 3 - 4 true leaves. Plants are usually planted in the greenhouse in late May - early June. For a powerful bush of the Chinese snake, support is required, therefore, after transplanting, the cucumber is tied to a vertical support. The originators recommend forming the plant into 1 stem, and pinching the lateral shoots over 2 - 3 leaves. This method will avoid thickening and unnecessary interlacing of the shoots. There are also tips for increasing the productivity of the bush, for this, the main stem is pinched over 6 - 7 leaves to allow lateral shoots to develop. Considering the size of the plant, the recommended planting density in the greenhouse is 2 - 3 pieces per 1 square meter. Watering is carried out at the root, as needed, preferably with warm water. Otherwise, the care is the same as for the culture in general.

The Chinese snake is not at all fun and not a joke of breeders. This variety has remarkable characteristics - high immunity, good yield, high taste and marketability of zelents. These plants can be planted even in the shade - the harvest will still be there. But, as in any barrel of honey, there is even a small, but still a fly in the ointment. In addition to the fact that gardeners complain about the poor germination of seed, negative reviews appear that grown plants sin with barren flowers. But this problem, most likely, lies on the conscience of the cucumber seed dealers, who may be re-grading.