A universal variety of cucumbers "Real Colonel", loved by many summer residents

Despite the masculine name, the True Colonel hybrid belongs to the plants with the female flowering type. And this means that there are practically no barren flowers on the bushes, therefore they bring an excellent harvest. Also, the culture is famous for fruits with a sugar flavor and a complete lack of bitterness.

In pickles and marinades, the hybrid, as a true military man, exhibits an enviable endurance, maintaining excellent taste characteristics regardless of the shelf life.

Description of the variety

Cucumbers This Colonel belongs to the hybrids. Work on it was carried out at the breeding company "Manul". The culture is grown in most regions of the country and the near abroad.

Reference! The breeding company "Manul" has been known on the Russian seed market for over 20 years. It is one of the largest operating companies for the production and sale of seeds.

Distinctive features

In 2004, the culture was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. The main difference from other hybrids is belonging to the parthenocarpic type, which means that cucumbers do not require pollination. It is convenient to grow such plants in closed structures, where bees do not fly.

Reference! For a long time, there was an opinion that parthenocarpic vegetables are unsuitable for conservation... Modern breeding refuted this opinion: the parthenocarpic hybrid in salting is not worse than other varieties.

The photographs show the cucumbers Real Colonel f1.

Composition, benefits, calories

The beneficial properties of these cucumbers are undeniable. They contain a high content of trace elements and vitamins necessary for health. Cucumbers This Colonel is rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium and iodine. They also contain vitamin C, A, B2 and B9.

Due to their low calorie content (12-14 kcal per 100 g), ripe vegetables are successfully used for dietary nutrition. As proven by scientists, cucumber diets contribute not only to weight loss, but also to increase immunity.

This vegetable is also used in cosmetology, and not only at home. Cucumber lotions, masks, creams rejuvenate the skin of the face, relieve fatigue, and eliminate bags under the eyes. Cosmetics based on cucumber juice deeply cleanses pores and has a slight whitening effect.

Plant characteristic

The flowering type is female, indeterminate (not limited in growth). The branchiness is average, the leaves are medium-sized, bright green. Each leaf axil forms 3-4 fruits, the ovaries are formed in bundles. The bush is powerful.

Ripening time is average, from the moment of emergence to harvesting 38-42 days pass. Long-term fruiting, up to frost.

The yield is high and stable, with 1 sq. m, 10-12 kg of fruits are harvested, provided that 3-4 seedlings are placed in the open ground, in a greenhouse - 2-3 seedlings per 1 sq. m.

The culture is characterized by increased immunity to diseases such as: cladosporia, cucumber mosaic virus, root rot and powdery mildew.

The hybrid quickly adapts to temperature changes. Recommended for cultivation in open ground and in protected structures.

Fruit characteristics

Average weight 100-115 g, length 10-13 cm, cylindrical shape, slightly curved, dense pubescence.The color of the fruit is dark green with slightly pronounced light stripes. Sweet taste, without bitterness... The fruits are juicy and crispy.

The use of ripe vegetables is universal, but, according to reviews, people like the taste of fresh cucumbers more than in salting. Nevertheless, they make all kinds of pickles and marinades.

How to grow a hybrid yourself

The hybrid is grown in two ways: seedling and seedling. Growing versatility is an important advantage, especially for residents of the southern regions.

Sowing seeds in the ground

Seeds are placed in prepared soil at a temperature of at least 16 ° C. The soil for sowing is chosen light and non-acidic, it is this composition that has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of seedlings. Before sowing, the soil is moistened and fertilized with manure. Cucumber seeds A real colonel is sown in holes to a depth of 2 cm and covered with foil.

Advice! For ease, peat or sand is added to the soil, and the acidity level is determined using litmus paper. When the indicator changes to red, dolomite flour or lime is added to the soil to reduce acidity.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

For seedlings, seeds are sown 25-30 days before planting in the ground. The soil is prepared independently or purchased in a specialized store. If you nevertheless decide to carry out the sowing work on your own, be prepared for soil disinfection.

Hybrid seed is purchased only in the store, since it is impossible to collect it yourself. Basically, the purchased seeds are already ready for sowing, the manufacturer has already calibrated and disinfected. But experienced users soak them in growth stimulants to improve germination. Of the stimulants usually used "Epin" or "Zircon". The period of soaking is 8-10 hours.

Reference! Sizing is the visual selection of seed for size and density.

The soil is prepared from a mixture of garden soil, peat, humus and river sand in equal amounts. After thorough mixing, the resulting mixture is poured with a hot solution of dark potassium permanganate.

Individual sowing containers are chosen: peat pots, plastic cups or paper honeycombs. Do not forget that cucumbers are difficult to take root after transplanting due to a vulnerable root system - it is advisable to plant cucumbers in containers from which transplanting is not required - for example, peat pots.

At the bottom of the container, drainage holes are made for the outflow of excess moisture and filled with two-thirds of the prepared soil.

Seeds are sown to a depth of 2 cm, 2-3 pcs. in each container (in case of incomplete germination). After sowing, the top soil layer is moistened with warm, settled water from a spray bottle and covered with a film until shoots appear. The seeded containers are left in a room with a temperature of at least 25 ° C.

Seedling care

As soon as the seedlings appear, the containers are placed on the windowsill so that the seedlings receive enough light. The temperature in the room is reduced to 22 ° C, otherwise excessive heat will lead to stretching of the sprouts.

Watered only with warm, settled water as the upper soil layer dries out... The seedling of the hybrid grows amicably, quickly and strong in appearance, therefore, it is not fed before transplanting into the ground.

Loosening the soil facilitates better oxygen penetration, which further strengthens the seedlings' immunity. But be careful - when loosening deeply, you can injure young roots.

The seedlings are ready for transplantation to a permanent place, as soon as 3-4 true leaves are formed on the bushes.

Transplantation and further development of the hybrid

Planting and leaving does not imply difficulties and comes down to standard activities. Seedlings are transplanted in the evening into pre-prepared holes. Previously, the holes are filled with humus by a third and filled with water. Transplanted together with a lump of earth, otherwise the plants will not grow for a long time. After that, the holes are covered with loose earth, lightly watered with warm water and mulched.

Reference! Mulching promotes moisture retention and protects the beds from land invasion. pests... Most often, peat or straw is used as mulch.

Water sparingly, under the root of the plants. The best time for glaze - in the morning or in the evening, in the afternoon there is a risk of provoking a leaf burn.

For a long time, the hybrid cannot do without moisture, but it is also impossible to fill the beds. Excess water provokes rotting of seedlings. Therefore, it is important to observe the irrigation regime, the quality and quantity of the crop will depend on this.

The first top dressing is applied two weeks after transplanting to a permanent place. The full range of minerals is used from fertilizers. When the ovaries are formed, organic compounds are introduced, for example, an infusion of mullein (ratio 1:15). And at the time of fruiting, they are fertilized again with minerals containing potassium.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

The tapestry method of tying indeterminate plants is considered the most convenient and less traumatic. But breeding this hybrid is possible without a garter. In this case, mulching is necessary so that the leaves do not come into contact with the ground. Otherwise, the development of fungal infections is possible.

The adaptation of the hybrid to various conditions is amazing: the culture can be grown even on the balcony, and the taste of the fruit will be as excellent as when cultivated in a summer cottage.

Under unfavorable conditions during the growth and development of seedlings (especially when it comes to irregular and cold watering and frequent temperature changes), there is a threat of the formation of a void in the fruits. Do not forget that cucumbers are a moisture-loving and thermophilic culture.

Diseases and pests

The hybrid is immune to diseases, dangerous for the pumpkin family. These include: powdery mildew, tobacco mosaic virus, cladosporium and root rot. Carrying out preventive measures and observing the rules of crop rotation will further strengthen the immunity of the crop and ensure the maximum yield.

Prevention does not imply any specific action. It is enough to control the level of humidity in the beds and maintain the temperature regime in the greenhouse (22-25 ° C). With an increase in these indicators, there is a risk of developing fungal infections.

A pest that can cause serious damage to plantings is the whitefly. This is a butterfly that not only hosts on unprotected ground, but also penetrates into closed structures. The drug "Aktara" or a soap solution will help get rid of the pest. It is prepared from one piece of laundry soap, dissolved in a bucket of warm water, and treated not only the stems, but also the leaves of plants.

According to the rules of crop rotation, if crops of the pumpkin family are planted next to cucumbers, preventive measures are also applied to them. Otherwise, if any plant gets sick, cucumbers will also get sick.

Harvesting and application of the crop

It is convenient to pick ripe fruits, as they ripen simultaneously on the same bush. Ripe vegetables are the same size and have an attractive presentation. Fruiting is extended, so fresh cucumbers are guaranteed until the very frost. Fruits, as a rule, do not outgrow - reaching 15 cm, they stop growing.

The use of cucumbers is universal. They perfectly decorate and add taste to any fresh dish and are suitable for preparing pickles and marinades.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Real Colonel

Let's start with the benefits. I must say that hybrid crops compare favorably with pure varieties, since breeders, when creating the next hybrid, take only the strongest sides from the parent varieties. That is why hybrids are easier to tolerate temperature extremes and quickly adapt to adverse conditions.

Now let's look at the pluses characteristic of the Real Colonel:

• the possibility of breeding in two ways: seedling and seedling;
• strong immunity to dangerous diseases;
• high yield rate;
• unpretentious care;
• friendly ripening of fruits;
• extended fruiting;
• great taste;
• marketable condition;
• versatility in cooking.

Of the negative sides are:

• voids inside fruits during development in unfavorable conditions;
• impossibility of self-collection of seeds.

Hybrid reviews

In the photo we see powerful bushes with beautiful fruits. What do farmers and amateurs say about the hybrid to spend the summer in their summer cottages? Here are some reviews from those who planted it in their beds.

Elena, Kazan: «I have tried many varieties, but the hybrid of cucumbers The Real Colonel is my favorite. Taking care of cucumbers is not difficult, and the result is always pleasing. I use the harvest both fresh and in winter preparations. It seems to me that the taste in pickles is in no way inferior to fresh cucumbers. With pleasure I advise everyone to plant culture, believe me, you will not regret it! "

Dmitry, Moscow region: “I can say with confidence that the hybrid is reliable, the yield is stable, the fruiting is long-term, and the fruits will be enough for both summer and winter. The only difficulty is to install the trellis so that the plants do not spread on the ground. Otherwise, I don't see any obstacles to the Colonel's landing. "

Conclusion

Hybrid The real colonel f1 bravely conquered many summer cottages and vegetable gardens. His main merit is a high yield rate (10-13 kg per 1 sq. M.) With simple agricultural technology. Additional advantages are stable immunity to many diseases, excellent taste and universal application.