Melen is an ideal choice for those seeking a bountiful harvest of exquisite, high-quality cucumbers. This variety is characterized by its reliability and consistency, making it suitable for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Introduction to the variety
The fruits reach full maturity in 40-45 days after germination. The average yield from this variety is around 13 kg per square meter, which is quite impressive.
Melen stands out for its ability to withstand drought and adapt to adverse weather conditions. It exhibits excellent resistance to diseases and pests, including cucumber mosaic, brown olive spot, and powdery mildew.
Features of selection
Melen is a hybridized cucumber variety created by developers from Enza Zaden Baheer BV. This variety is distinguished by its optimal consumer qualities and unique fruit taste.
Application for variety registration number 63097 was submitted on November 29, 2013, and in 2015, Melen was officially included in the list of varieties approved for cultivation. Its use is permitted in all regions.
Specificity of bushes and cucumbers
This hybrid is classified as a mid-early, parthenocarpic variety, intended for fresh consumption only. The plant has an indeterminate growth habit, moderate branching, and produces predominantly female flowers. Each node typically produces two female flowers.
Other varietal characteristics:
- The leaves are small, rich dark green;
- the fruits are short, cylindrical, with a dark green color and barely noticeable light lines;
- the surface of the fruit is covered with large tubercles without thorns;
- throughout the growing season, the shoots continue to grow actively, but the vines are compact;
- vegetables reach a length of 15 to 20 cm and weigh approximately 95 g;
- number of ovaries in inflorescence: from 1 to 3 pcs.
Taste and application
These cucumbers are ideal for eating raw or as an ingredient in a variety of fresh dishes. Their fruits are distinguished by their excellent flavor, juiciness, and crunch.
Growing and care
Hybrid bushes can be cultivated as in greenhouses, and in open fields. There are two planting methods: direct seeding and using seedlings. Note the key aspects of agronomy:
- Seed treatment is not required – they are sold fully prepared.
- Plant seeds outdoors after the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 13-15 degrees Celsius. Planting seeds in cold soil is not advisable, as they will not germinate.
- Optimal predecessors for cucumbers are crops such as lettuce, kale, peas and green manure.
- It's not recommended to plant cucumbers in areas previously occupied by beans, carrots, and zucchini due to the risk of spreading common diseases. Furthermore, cucumbers should not be replanted in the same area more than once every five years.
- ✓ Optimum soil temperature for sowing: +13-15°C.
- ✓ Distance between plants when planting: 30-40 cm.
- ✓ Seed sowing depth: 2-3 cm.
- The hybrid is adapted to both sunny and shady conditions, but prefers an abundance of light.
- If given a choice, it is best to orient the beds north to south for maximum sunlight.
- × Avoid overwatering the soil, as this can lead to root rot.
- × Avoid planting cucumbers after crops susceptible to the same diseases as cucumbers, such as beans, carrots, and zucchini.
Harvesting and storage
Pick vegetables from the bushes as soon as they reach their optimal size. During the fruiting season, cucumbers should be picked at least every other day to prevent overripening and overgrowth. It's best to harvest cucumbers in the morning or evening to ensure the freshness of the fruit lasts longer.
- First feeding: 2 weeks after germination, use nitrogen fertilizers.
- Second feeding: at the beginning of flowering, use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
- Third feeding: during the period of active fruiting, use complex fertilizers.
Carefully remove cucumbers, being careful not to damage the stems; it's best to use a sharp knife. Any cucumbers that are unfit for consumption, such as those that are crooked, damaged, or blemished, should be discarded immediately.
Place harvested cucumbers in a cool place immediately. Hybrid varieties keep well and are easy to transport; they can be stored in a plastic bag in a cellar or refrigerator for up to 8-12 days.
Positive and negative qualities
This cucumber stands out for its high productivity: up to 50 kg can be harvested from a single square meter, which in itself is a peak yield for cucumber crops. But Melen also has other advantages:
During the growing process, gardeners identified some problems associated with its cultivation:
Reviews
The Melen F1 cucumber is an ideal choice for fresh market sales. This smooth-fruited variety is characterized by compact lateral growth, a well-developed root system, and consistently high-quality yields. It begins bearing fruit early, tolerates heat well, and ensures uniform harvesting.