Gerold cucumbers have deservedly gained popularity among Russian gardeners. Their early maturity, resistance to major diseases, and excellent flavor make them attractive for a variety of uses, from fresh salads to canning. Following standard cultivation practices guarantees bountiful harvests and strong plant immunity.
Introduction to the variety
The Gerold F1 cucumber variety is renowned for its robust immunity to most infections and its versatility in cultivation. Detailed characteristics and a description of the variety are provided below.
Originators
Gerold is a hybrid developed by V. I. Blokin-Mechtalin and approved for use in 2019. This parthenocarpic variety is capable of producing fruit without pollination.
External characteristics of the plant and cucumbers
The bush is characterized by an indeterminate growth habit and moderate branching. The shoots are covered with medium-sized, green-hued leaves. Flowering typically involves two or three female flowers per node.
The fruits are short, 8-10 cm long and 3-3.5 cm in diameter. The weight of one cucumber ranges from 70 to 85 g. The cucumbers have a cylindrical shape, a dark green color, and a smooth surface.
Taste and purpose
Herald is a salad vegetable. It has an excellent flavor and delightful aroma. These green cucumbers are used in a wide variety of culinary and food-industry applications. Here are some ways to use them:
- They are used in fresh salads for their crisp texture and refreshing flavor. They can be used as a main ingredient or complement other vegetables, herbs, and sauces.
- They are sliced and served as an appetizer, either on their own or with various dipping sauces or seasonings.
- Sliced cucumbers add crunch and freshness to sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. They pair well with meat, fish, and cheese.
- The fruits are preserved, pickled, and salted. They are used as a side dish, appetizer, or ingredient in various dishes.
- Add to cold soups such as okroshka or gazpacho.
- Used for making juices and cocktails.
- In the cosmetics industry, green cucumbers are used in masks and creams due to their moisturizing and cooling properties.
Cucumbers are often used as an ingredient in various food products such as sauces, condiments and prepared dishes.
When ripe, the yield
This variety is early maturing: the fruits begin to ripen within 40-42 days after germination. It is recommended for growing under temporary plastic covers or in greenhouses. The average yield of this hybrid is 14.5 kg per square meter.
Positive and negative qualities
Before planting any crop variety, every vegetable grower wants to familiarize themselves with its advantages and potential disadvantages. Hybrids have many positive qualities and few negative ones.
Landing features
To ensure the bushes don't wilt and thrive, vegetable growers recommend following several planting rules. It's important to choose and prepare the site correctly, pre-germinate the variety's seeds, and plant the seedlings at a specific distance.
Site preparation
Gerold is a heat-loving variety, so grow it in sunny beds protected from strong winds. Prefer southern exposures. After harvesting, thoroughly clear the soil of weeds and foliage, and dig it over.
To treat the soil against various diseases and pests, sow mustard in a plowed area. After it ripens, mow it down and cover the beds with tops. In the spring, clear the soil of mustard residue, loosen it, and fertilize it with organic fertilizers such as manure, litter, or compost.
- ✓ Use only water at +25°C for soaking seeds to avoid overcooling them.
- ✓ Seeds should be soaked for no more than 12 hours to prevent them from rotting.
Germination of seeds
Before planting, germinate the seeds by soaking them in a damp cloth. After germination, plant them in small containers, burying them to a depth of 2 cm. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top and moisten the soil with warm water using a spray bottle.
After planting, move the containers containing the future cucumbers to a room with a temperature of 25 to 27°C. Place the seedlings on a windowsill to ensure they receive as much light as possible. Once the seedlings emerge, reduce the temperature to 21°C.
- × Do not plant seedlings in soil with a temperature below +15°C, as this may lead to slower growth and the development of diseases.
- × Avoid using fresh manure in the holes, as this may cause root burns.
Planting seedlings
Plant cucumbers in their permanent location at 40 days of age, when the seedlings have developed about 6-7 leaves (late May - early June). Plant at a depth of 5-7 cm. Place a handful of manure at the bottom of each hole. Cover the seedlings with soil up to the bottom leaf and water with warm water.
Care
To ensure the plant produces good fruit, is disease-free, and delivers excellent flavor, it's important to follow certain agricultural practices. Give the bushes minimal attention and care.
Watering
Water the seedlings every 2-3 days. During severe drought, water the beds daily. Water the seedlings in the evening and only at the roots.
Top dressing
Fertilize the plant 5-6 times throughout the growing season. Apply the first fertilizer when the second true leaf appears. Apply the second fertilizer at the beginning of flowering. Apply the third, fourth, and fifth fertilizers during ovary formation and fruiting, at two-week intervals.
Diseases and parasites
Gerold cucumbers have strong immunity to common mosaic and fusarium wilt, but improper care can lead to unpleasant consequences. It's important to begin treatment immediately to prevent plant death.
- ✓ The first signs appear on the lower leaves in the form of white spots that quickly spread.
- ✓ If the damage is severe, the leaves curl and dry out, which leads to a decrease in yield.
Common diseases:
- Powdery mildew. The green fruits become covered with white mold and are susceptible to rot. The disease is spread by airborne droplets in cool and damp weather. At the initial stage, treat the plants with Albit or Gamair. At later stages, use fungicides such as Thiovit or Bayleton.
- Gray rot. The disease manifests itself as a gray coating on the foliage and gray-brown spots that begin to rot. To control the disease, use Bayleton, Hom, or Rovral.
The hybrid can be attacked by spider mites. They are more common in closed greenhouses and nest on the stems and under the leaves. These pests quickly suck out the plant's nutrients and destroy it. To control them, use Fufanon, Kinfos, or Actellic.
Reviews
The Gerold cucumber is a popular hybrid variety with excellent characteristics. It is popular among both novice and experienced gardeners in our country. It boasts high productivity, excellent fruit flavor, and versatility. Proper care is essential for good health and bountiful harvests.