The Chinese Emperor cucumber is a suitable choice for gardeners who value good productivity and a strong immune system. This hybrid boasts excellent flavor and adapts to a variety of climates, demonstrating drought tolerance. Standard agricultural practices guarantee bountiful harvests.
Breeding history
The hybrid was developed by domestic breeders. After passing all the tests, the Poisk agricultural firm submitted a request for inclusion in the State Register in 2014. In 2015, efforts S. V. Maksimova, N. N. Klimenko, O. V. Baklanova and L. A. Chistyakova were acquitted.
Description of the variety
From germination to fruiting, it takes 42 to 45 days, depending on the growing method, location, and climate. Distinguishing features of the variety:
- Indeterminate, long shoots reaching a length of more than 3 m.
- Short ripening period and high yield.
- Long fruits with a pleasant taste and a lasting aftertaste.
- Self-pollination and strong immunity.
Characteristics of appearance
The plant has strong stems that quickly reach considerable height and require staking, especially during the early stages of fruiting. If this isn't done promptly, the bush may break under the weight of the ripening fruit.
This parthenocarpic plant doesn't require insect pollination, so it's more often grown in greenhouses than in the open ground. It's difficult to confuse with other varieties thanks to the following characteristics:
- Long stems are covered with large leaves, colored dark green.
- The flowers are mixed, bright yellow, with virtually no empty flowers.
- During the fruiting period, it is abundantly covered with thin and long cucumbers.
The vegetables are long, with dense, smooth flesh, filled with juice, coarsely knobbly, and covered in spines. When they're still light-colored, they darken when fully ripe, becoming virtually invisible among the foliage.
Varietal qualities
Chinese emperors are a thing of the past, giving way to a more productive republican system that is now demonstrating its effectiveness. But a cucumber variety named after former rulers continues to exist and gain popularity among gardeners.
Purpose and taste of fruits
The length of the cucumbers (37-40 cm) creates the impression that they are not suitable for canning for the winter, but after the spines darken, they are pickled and used in vegetable assortments, cut into pieces.
Maturation
It takes about a month and a half from the emergence of sprouts to the harvest of ripe fruits. This variety produces fruit in both shade and sun, and the fruits grow straight if not in contact with the soil. Fruit weight ranges from 340 to 400 g.
Productivity
The average yield is 15.6 kg per square meter, but this isn't the limit. This figure depends on the length of the cucumbers grown and the correct agricultural practices. These figures are achievable under standard conditions, when watering is replaced by regular soil loosening rather than daily cultivation.
Growing and care
High drought tolerance makes caring for the Chinese Emperor cucumber much easier. Seedlings are the preferred method of planting, especially in northern regions where rooting can be difficult.
- ✓ Optimum soil temperature for transplanting seedlings: not lower than +10°C.
- ✓ Spacing between seedlings: 20-25 cm, between rows – from 65 cm.
Helpful tips:
- Regardless of the planting method, carefully sort the seeds. After sorting, keep them in a damp cloth to allow them to germinate.
- If using seedlings, sow between March 15 and 30. Disinfect the planting material. The soil can be universal or from your own plot, but in the latter case, improve it with superphosphate, urea, and ash.
- Plant the seeds 1-2 cm deep into the soil to avoid germination issues. Moisten the soil and keep the containers in the dark at 23-25°C. Once the seedlings emerge, move the containers to a bright location with a temperature of 18-20°C.
- Transplant outdoors when 4-5 true leaves appear. When transplanting, be careful not to damage the root system. The soil should be at least 10°C (50°F). Space seedlings 20-25 cm apart, and row spacing should be 65 cm or more. Choose sunny locations.
Apply fertilizer two to three times during the growing season, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers. Water every three to four days with warm water, preferably in the evening. At temperatures above 25°C, water more frequently. At the beginning of growth, each plant requires 1 liter of water, and at peak growth, at least 1.5 liters.
- × Avoid watering with cold water, as this can stress the plants.
- × Do not allow the soil to dry out during the peak growing season.
Reviews
Chinese Emperor is one of the modern cucumber varieties. It quickly gained recognition among gardeners due to its high yield and excellent taste. Relatively recently developed, this hybrid is ideal for growing both in greenhouses under plastic and in the open ground. Proper care is essential.