The Druzhny cucumber variety is one of the most popular hybrids, attracting gardeners with its characteristics and excellent taste. It is resistant to common diseases and produces generous harvests with proper care. Adherence to proper agricultural practices will ensure good development and growth of the plants, delighting them with high-quality cucumbers.
Introduction to the variety
Druzhny is an early-ripening parthenocarpic variety, ideal for both open-field and greenhouse cultivation. Cucumbers ripen 42-45 days after germination. One of its advantages is its long fruiting period.
Originators
The hybrid variety was developed by domestic breeders: Monakhos G. F., Ushanov A. A., Ushanova E. L., Smirnova D. S. It has been approved for use since 2015.
External characteristics of the plant and cucumbers
This is a medium-sized, medium-branched shrub with medium-sized, dark green leaves. Female flowers form at the nodes, with one to two flowers in number.
The cucumbers are cylindrical in shape, their length ranges from 9 to 12 cm, and their weight ranges from 70 to 90 g. There are short stripes on the green skin.
Taste and purpose
Druzhny is suitable for fresh consumption, pickling, and canning. The fruits are characterized by a sweet taste and are completely free of voids.
Site preparation and planting
Before planting cucumbers, remove all weeds and thoroughly loosen the soil. Although this variety thrives in a variety of conditions, it's important to keep the area clean. Avoid planting cucumbers where squash or pumpkins were previously grown—choose a different location for a bountiful harvest.
- ✓ Soil pH should be between 6.0-6.8 for optimal cucumber growth.
- ✓ The soil must be well-drained to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Apply fertilizer in advance, preferably in spring, using 10 kg of compost per square meter. Before planting, thoroughly loosen the soil. Sow seeds directly into the soil, not planting more than 2 cm deep. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, especially in hot weather.
Care instructions
Water the plants in the evening, although many gardeners prefer morning watering. Before flowering, water them every 3-4 days, taking into account soil dryness and weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to rot, so avoid overwatering.
- × Watering in hot weather can cause leaf burns due to water droplets acting as lenses.
- × Using cold water for irrigation can stress plants, slowing their growth.
Follow these recommendations:
- Frequent loosening of the soil is not recommended, since the cucumber root system is located close to the surface and is easily damaged.
- Remove weeds manually to avoid damaging the plants.
- During fruit set, add a small amount of compost—up to 1 kg per square meter. Use specialized fertilizers for hybrid cucumber varieties according to the instructions.
- Tying cucumbers to a trellis is an important care step that promotes their proper growth and development. Trellis help keep the plants upright, improving air and sunlight access, and simplifying care and harvesting.
Begin staking once the shoots begin to grow actively. To do this, install trellises using strong and stable materials, such as wood or metal poles. The structures should be tall to provide sufficient space for growth.
Prevention of diseases and parasites
Be mindful of watering. Avoid overwatering and maintain optimal soil moisture to ensure a healthy, mold-free harvest. Underwatering will cause plants to dry out.
Treat the bushes with copper sulfate or add ash to the roots to prevent spider mites, aphids, and other insect pests. If signs of dryness appear, increase watering frequency and add vitamin supplements. Remove dry areas with clean scissors or a sharp knife.
- ✓ The appearance of yellow spots on the leaves may indicate a nitrogen deficiency.
- ✓ Leaf curl is often a sign of potassium deficiency or pest infestation.
Disease/pest resistance
The Druzhny hybrid is generally considered healthy, with good resistance to cladosporiosis and powdery mildew. Overwatering can cause mold. If mold occurs, remove affected fruits and leaves, treating the cut surfaces with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Harvesting
Don't allow the cucumbers to become overgrown. Harvest regularly—every 1-2 days. Store the vegetables in dry wooden or plastic containers in a cool, dark, and dry place. It's best to keep the fruits in the refrigerator.
Reviews
The Druzhny cucumber variety is an ideal choice for those who value not only delicious fruit but also ease of care. This hybrid boasts consistent yields, good disease resistance, and easy maintenance. With proper care, it will delight you with high-quality vegetables throughout the season.