Abundant – popular variety A cucumber variety often chosen by gardeners for its large yields. This early-ripening hybrid boasts excellent flavor, making it the best choice for any growing conditions. Proper care is essential for obtaining generous harvests.
Introduction to the variety
Cucumbers are the most widely grown crop in the Russian market. Agronomists harvest large quantities of these juicy and delicious vegetables every year, which is made possible by selecting the right varieties. One such variety is "Obilny."
External and taste characteristics, purpose
Indeterminate bushes are characterized by strong branching and long vines. Their shoots are covered with numerous, medium-dissected, dark green leaves with a moderately wrinkled surface. They have mixed flowering, and under favorable conditions, the plants become vigorous.
Fruit characteristics:
- They have a standard cylindrical shape.
- The weight varies from 70 to 102 g. The diameter reaches 2.7-3 cm, and the length – 8.7-9.3 cm.
- The color is dark green, like the foliage, with bright light green stripes that stand out against the emerald skin.
- They are covered with large tubercles and white spines, and their surface is heavily ribbed.
- The pulp is very tender and juicy.
Who developed the variety and when?
This highly branched hybrid was developed by experienced breeders A. M. Popova and L. P. Malychenko. After completing all testing, it was approved for widespread use in 1999.
Composition, benefits, calorie content
Vegetables contain a large amount of water – about 95-97%. They are rich in vitamins and minerals:
- vitamin C;
- vitamin K;
- vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid);
- vitamin B9 (folate);
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- manganese;
- copper;
- flavonoids;
- tannins;
- carotenoids.
Beneficial properties:
- They are an excellent product for maintaining the body's hydration.
- Vitamin C and antioxidants help improve skin condition, reduce inflammation and protect against free radical damage.
- Vegetables are low in calories and rich in fiber, which helps control appetite and promote weight loss.
- Potassium regulates blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health.
- Fiber improves digestion and promotes bowel regularity, preventing constipation.
Productivity
The average yield is 2.2 to 3 kg of vegetables per square meter. In large-scale cultivation, this figure varies from 110 to 510 centners per hectare, depending on the region and climatic conditions.
Ripening time
This crop is an early-ripening variety. It takes 43 to 48 days from germination to fruiting. In some cases, this period may be extended depending on weather conditions.
Resistance to diseases and pests
During breeding, breeders achieved high resistance to many diseases and infections. The Abundant cucumber resists dangerous pests.
Cultivation regions
The crop is grown in various regions of Russia. This variety has proven itself in the following areas:
- Central;
- Central Black Earth Region;
- Lower Volga region;
These regions have climate conditions that allow for the successful cultivation of Abundant, ensuring stable harvests.
Optimal growing conditions
The optimal temperature for growth is 22°C to 28°C. At temperatures below 15°C and above 35°C, plant growth slows. Cucumbers require adequate sunlight. The best planting location is a well-lit, shade-free area.
- ✓ The soil pH level should be strictly within 6-6.8 for optimal nutrient absorption.
- ✓ The soil must be well drained to prevent water stagnation and root rot.
Seedlings grow well in light, fertile, and well-drained soils. Loams and sandy loams are ideal. The optimal pH is 6-6.8.
Growing Cucumbers Abundant
Growing this crop isn't difficult, but it's important to follow certain recommendations and agricultural practices. Proper planting and subsequent care are the key to bountiful harvests.
Open field cultivation
Gardeners most often plant seeds in open ground using the direct-seeding method. The planting depth should be 1 to 2 cm. Cover the area with plastic film. Follow the 60 x 15 cm pattern. As the plants grow, water them regularly, apply fertilizer, and remove weeds promptly.
Growing using seedlings
Use high-quality seeds from trusted producers. Soak them in warm water (about 25-30°C) for 12-24 hours to speed up germination. Place them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 24-48 hours to increase their resistance to low temperatures.
Helpful tips:
- Use small pots or seedling trays. The containers should have drainage holes. Prepare fertile, light soil. You can use ready-made seedling soil or mix garden soil with humus and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio.
- Sow the seeds to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. Water the soil with warm water and cover the containers with plastic or glass to create a greenhouse effect. Place them in a warm (22-26°C) and well-lit location. When seedlings appear, remove the covering.
- 10-14 days after the seedlings emerge, feed them with a weak solution of complex fertilizer.
- One to two weeks before planting outdoors, begin hardening off the seedlings. Gradually lower the room temperature and move them outdoors, increasing the time spent there.
- Plant seedlings in open ground when the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to +15-18°C.
- Prepare holes 10-15 cm deep, spaced 30-40 cm apart. Add humus and a little wood ash to each hole.
Watering and fertilizing
Water the plants as the soil dries out, maintaining the correct balance. It's important to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and disease. Water the plants after sunset, using warm water.
- × Avoid watering during the day to prevent leaf burn.
- × Do not use cold water as this may stress the plants and slow their growth.
- • Use organic fertilizers such as compost or humus to improve the soil structure and increase its fertility.
- • Foliar feeding with microelements can significantly increase plant resistance to diseases and pests.
Cucumbers don't require frequent fertilizing. Two to three applications per season are sufficient. Mineral fertilizers, diluted in water beforehand, are suitable for this purpose. To increase yield, use complex formulations.
Formation
When consistently warm weather stabilizes, the shoots begin to grow vigorously. During this period, begin shaping the bush, directing the branches upward. It's easiest to use vertical supports, taut with twine or rope. You can also use netting.
Protection from diseases and pests
The hybrid is highly resistant to most diseases and pests. One common problem faced by gardeners is downy mildew, a disease typically caused by improper care, most often due to excessive moisture.
To combat pests and diseases, use preventative measures using chemicals. A key step in this process is proper irrigation system management.
Reviews of the Obilny cucumber variety
The Obilny cucumber is a popular variety that attracts both novice and experienced gardeners. It has many positive qualities, including its appearance and flavor. Standard gardening practices will ensure bountiful harvests of large, juicy vegetables.