Uran cucumbers have gained popularity among gardeners due to their high productivity, disease resistance, and excellent taste. This ultra-early variety is ideal for those looking for a reliable solution for both greenhouses and open ground. It's important to carefully study the crop's key characteristics and follow the care recommendations.
Introduction to the variety
Uran cucumbers are characterized by rapid growth and well-developed bushes. They attract the attention of vegetable growers due to their self-pollination and long fruiting period. The variety also boasts many other positive qualities.
Features of selection
Japanese specialists developed the variety. Sakata Seed Corporation handled its development. In 2016, the hybrid was included in the State Register of Varieties Approved for Cultivation in the Lower Volga Region.
Specificity of bushes and cucumbers
The stem grows compact, with shoots covered in large, dark green leaves. The bush grows quickly and blooms profusely, producing only female flowers. One to three ovaries form at the leaf nodes.
The cucumbers are beautiful, smooth, and neat, cylindrical in shape, and the weight of one fruit varies from 100 to 112 g. The green skin has noticeable pimples, a slight coating, and white spines.
The flesh is dense, without voids, crisp, and aromatic. This hybrid has excellent shelf life and withstands long-distance transportation without losing its marketable appearance. Even with long-term storage, it retains its original color and firmness.
Taste and application
The flavor is fresh, slightly sweet, and without bitterness. When eaten fresh, the seeds are barely noticeable, making them ideal for salads. They are juicy and often used for canning and preparing various preserves.
Fruiting period
This is an early-ripening variety. It takes 40-45 days from germination to harvest in open ground. When grown in a greenhouse, the fruiting period is reduced to 33-36 days. Several harvests can be harvested during the season.
Productivity
The hybrid is characterized by continuous and uniform fruiting, providing abundant harvests throughout the season. When grown outdoors, yields reach approximately 15 kg, while when grown in a greenhouse, yields reach up to 20 kg per square meter.
What are the producers of the Uranus F1 cucumber variety?
There are well-known domestic and foreign seed producers. Among the Russian manufacturers are "Partner," "Novie Semena," and "Sibirsky Sad." Planting material from the Japanese manufacturer "Sakata" is also popular.
Planting a variety
The crop is planted in greenhouses at the end of May, preferably using seedlings. The optimal temperature for planting is 13-17°C.
Follow these recommendations:
- Sow seeds for seedlings in pots at the end of April.
- After three weeks of germination, transplant the plants into a greenhouse or open ground around May 20th. In central Russia, this period begins in early June. These are the earliest planting dates; subsequent plantings continue until the second half of July.
- Before planting, thoroughly prepare the soil. In the fall, dig the area and fertilize with organic matter.
- Just before planting the seedlings, loosen the soil again and add mineral or organic fertilizer. Carefully level the top layer of soil with a shovel.
- ✓ The soil pH level should be within 6.0-6.8 for optimal growth of Uranus cucumbers.
- ✓ The soil must be well-drained to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Plant seedlings in open ground on a sunny, windless day. Plant at a density of 3 plants per square meter. Space seedlings about 25 cm tall, 1.5 m apart between rows. Transplant carefully, as the plants are very delicate and fragile.
Bush care
This crop requires careful care. No particular difficulties are expected in caring for this plant. It can be grown by both experienced beginners and novice vegetable growers.
- • Use drip irrigation to ensure even soil moisture and minimize the risk of sunburn.
- • Check soil moisture at a depth of 5 cm before each watering.
Watering
Moisten the seedlings with warm water. The best time to water is evening in the open ground and morning in the greenhouse. Before flowering, water the seedlings every 6-8 days, and during fruiting, water every 3-4 days. Direct the water so it doesn't fall on the leaves and stems. This will prevent sunburn.
- × Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen to avoid stimulating excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.
- × Do not apply fertilizer to dry soil, as this may cause root burns.
Top dressing
This hybrid requires regular fertilizing up to four times per season. Fertilize the bushes after planting, during flowering, and especially during the formation of the cucumbers. This variety responds well to mineral solutions applied to the roots.
Pest control
Uranus is less susceptible to disease and bacteria than other varieties. However, adverse weather conditions and improper care can lead to the following problems:
- Melon aphid. If the area isn't cleared of weeds before planting, the risk of pest infestation increases. To combat this, start by removing the weeds. Treat the plantings with a solution of laundry soap (100-200 g per 10 liters of water).
A solution of 200 g of wood ash, 50 g of laundry soap, and 10 liters of water is effective. For spraying cucumber beds, use infusions of dandelion, onion peel, and potato tops.
A phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (20 g superphosphate and 10 g potassium phosphate) dissolved in warm water and applied to the underside of the leaves has proven effective. Apply this every 5-7 days if pests appear. - Powdery mildew. The disease can cause significant damage to plants, especially with frequent and heavy irrigation with cool water and uncontrolled fertilization. At the first signs of disease, adjust the frequency of watering and fertilizing, and monitor soil temperature and moisture levels.
Spraying greenhouse frames and walls with a bleach solution can help prevent the disease from developing. - Whitefly. This small, light-brown pest reproduces rapidly and damages cucumber leaves. Inta-Vir is effective in controlling whitefly colonies. Prevention involves deep soil loosening and peat mulching.
| Method | Efficiency | Period of validity |
|---|---|---|
| A solution of laundry soap | High against aphids | 5-7 days |
| Dandelion infusion | Average against aphids | 3-5 days |
| Inta-Vir | High against whitefly | 10-14 days |
Positive and negative qualities
The hybrid offers numerous advantages that simplify cultivation and make it ideal for farming. Key benefits include:
Reviews
Uran cucumbers are a good choice for gardeners seeking high-quality harvests and long-lasting fruiting. Rapid growth, excellent flavor, and productivity make this variety one of the best on the market. With proper and timely care, you can grow plants with strong immunity.