Cucumber in a number of vegetable crops - in a conspicuous place. His grown both in open and protected ground. Fresh cucumbers can be obtained almost all year round: in the winter-spring period from winter greenhouses, in spring-summer - from spring greenhouses, hotbeds and small-sized film shelters, which is quite affordable for amateur gardeners. In the summer-autumn period, open beds supply us with cucumbers.

Cucumber is distributed in almost all parts of the world. In our country, 10-12% of the total vegetable wedge area is occupied by it. In protected ground, its specific gravity reaches 70%.

Homeland cucumber - Asian mainland. In India and China, cucumbers have been cultivated since time immemorial. Hence in the III-IV century. AD, this culture through Persia, Afghanistan and Asia Minor penetrated into Greece and other European countries. In the XVI century. cucumber has become widespread in Russia.

Taste and healing properties of cucumber

Cucumber is tasty, has dietary properties, is diverse in use. It is eaten in its natural form, canned, stuffed. They are used in salads, okroshka, soups, pickles and other dishes. Cucumber also has medicinal value, since it helps to dissolve kidney stones, uric acid crystals, eliminates gouty tumors, and prevents atherosclerosis. Consumption of cucumbers improves appetite, helps digestion of proteins and fats.
The chemical composition of cucumber fruits is not the same for different varieties, it also changes from growing conditions. On average, fruits contain 95-96% water, 4-5% dry matter, including 2% sugar, 1% nitrogenous substances (mainly proteins), 0.7% ash, 0.1% fat. They contain a small amount of starch, pectin, hemicellulose. Ash consists mainly of phosphorus and potassium, there are also calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, iron, silicon, fluorine and a number of trace elements.

Cucumber fruits are rich in vitamins useful for the body. Organic acids and essential oils give the vegetable a pleasant, refreshing taste and smell. But sometimes cucumbers are bitter, which is due to the presence of a special substance - cucurbitacin. Its nature, role in the plant and the nature of its influence on the human body have not yet been sufficiently elucidated. Breeders are now working hard to create varieties of cucumber with fruits without bitterness. New varieties, as a rule, are no longer bitter. Cucumber seeds are oilseeds, and their oil can be a valuable food product.

Cucumber is a liana

Cucumber is an annual herbaceous plant with a liana-like, branching, creeping stem. Its length is up to 1.5-2 m, but there are bush and short-leafed forms with a stem length of 20-60 cm. The arrangement of leaves is alternate, leaf blades are entire, slightly lobed, pentagonal in shape. Roots up to 1 m long, diverge in the arable horizon. The flowers are dioecious, cross-pollinated, the male flowers are collected in inflorescences of the brush or corymb type, the female flowers are solitary with a lower ovary. There are forms of cucumber with partial dioecy - with a predominance of male or female flowers (some samples from Japan, China and other regions of the Far East). This phenomenon is widely used in heterotic cucumber seed production.

The cucumber fruit is a false berry (pumpkin) with 3-5 seed chambers. Different varieties have fruits of various shapes, sizes, pubescence, color, pattern and other features. The fruits contain 100-400 pieces. seeds. There are also seedless, so-called parthenocarpic forms of cucumber. Seeds are elongated-oval and short-elliptical, white in color with a yellowish tint. Weight 1000 pcs. seeds - 16-35 g. Cucumber seeds have the highest germination capacity at the time of full physiological maturity of the fruit. Therefore, the ripening of unripe fruits for 10-15 days is of great practical importance, especially in the northern regions, where it improves the sowing and yielding qualities of seeds.

Germination of cucumber seeds, germination, flowering

Under favorable conditions, cucumber seeds germinate on the 4-6th day after sowing. The best temperature for seed germination is 25-35°C. Normal shoots can be obtained at 17-18 °. But in order for the seeds to germinate, they need moisture. It turns out that swelling requires 36-42% of water from the absolutely dry mass of seeds, and 20-25% more for germination. Cucumber seeds during germination are very sensitive to lack of air, while reducing the germination energy and germination. This explains the high responsiveness of the cucumber to light and loose soils and the destructive effect of the soil crust on the seeds.

When the cucumber seeds germinate, the root is the first to start growing, then the growth point begins to develop, and the stem appears. The root system in the first growing season grows more intensively than the aerial part of the plant. Subsequently, the growth of the aerial parts of plants is enhanced. The first leaf is formed only 5-6 days after germination. 8-10 days after the first, a second leaf is formed. When the root system is sufficiently developed, the rapid growth of leaves and stems begins. Each new leaf appears after 3-4 days, then every other day, daily, and then two or more leaves are formed per day. The stem also grows slowly at first, then faster, reaching an increase of up to 2 cm per day.

After the formation of 4-6 early-ripening varieties, and late-ripening 6-8 leaves, first-order side shoots appear on the main lash, then second-order shoots from them, and so on. Flowering begins 30-40 days after germination in early-ripening varieties and 50-60 days after germination in late-ripening varieties. The flowers of inflorescences bloom first, located in the axils of the lower leaves of the main stem (in early ripening varieties - in the axils of the 2nd-3rd leaf, in late-ripening varieties - 7-12th leaf). Then the first flowers of subsequent inflorescences bloom. Flowering constantly spreads from bottom to top, from the main stem to the shoots of the first, and then subsequent orders.

Conditions for growing cucumbers

Male flowers in plants of monoecious forms usually predominate, but the higher the order of lashes, the higher the relatively greater number of female flowers. The ratio of flowers can change under the influence of environmental factors, as well as under artificial influence on plants Decrease in temperature and increase in humidity of air and soil, reduction of daylight hours during the formation of flowers, fumigation with carbon monoxide or fertilizing with carbon dioxide, pinching plants, exposing them to acetylene and others techniques contribute to an increase in the number of female flowers. This will be an artificial effect. Unfortunately, it can be used mainly only in protected ground. In the open field, the ratio of flowers can be influenced by nutritional conditions and changing the acidity of the soil.
Enhanced nutrition with phosphorus, potassium, boron and nitrogen restriction contribute to an increase in the formation of female flowers. The largest number of female flowers is formed in neutral soil (рН = 5.9-6.1).

After fertilization, cucumber ovaries grow rapidly, reaching removable maturity on the 7th - 12th day. It must be borne in mind that the more fruits on the plant, the slower they grow, and some of them fall off. That is why frequent collections of Zelents favorably affect the yield. The fruiting period (the time from the first to the last harvest of fruits) is also important. It sometimes exceeds the period "shoots - the beginning of fruiting" in duration.

Cucumber is the most heat-demanding vegetable crop. For normal growth, he needs a temperature of 25-27 °. At temperatures below 15°, plant development is delayed. Prolonged exposure to temperatures of 8-10 ° can kill cucumbers. Cucumber plants do not tolerate frost at all. Young seedlings are most sensitive to cold - in the cotyledon phase. Then their resistance to cold will increase significantly. Cucumber blooms at a temperature of 14-16 °, and the anthers crack at 16-17 °. The best temperature for flowering and fertilization of cucumber flowers is 18-21 °.
Cucumber is demanding on soil and air moisture. Soil moisture should be within 60-80% of the lowest moisture capacity, and relative air humidity 70-80%. Cucumber loves watering. And although it is more shade-tolerant than a tomato, this culture is still demanding of light, in protected ground conditions it responds well to additional lighting.

Varieties of cucumbers

Our vegetable growers rich selection of cucumber varieties. Only for open ground over 70 varieties and hybrids released, 45 varieties released for protected ground. These varieties differ in terms of maturation and are different in purpose. Early-ripening varieties of open ground from germination to the first collection of green fruits "fit" in a period of less than 45 days, mid-ripening - in 45-50 days. Late-ripening varieties stretch this period to 50 or more days. Early-ripening cucumbers are mostly salad cucumbers, most of the medium and late-ripening varieties are pickling and universal use.

In the center of the European part of the country, early and mid-ripening varieties are popular - Muromsky 36, Vyaznikovsky 37, Altai early 166, Graceful, Nerosimy 40.
In some southern regions of the country, early-ripening cucumbers are dominated by Moldavsky 12, Call 238, Signal 235, Anniversary, Success 221, and from mid-ripening cucumbers Biryuchekutsky 193, Nezhinka, Voronezh, Nezhinsky 12, Nezhinsky local, Rosinka, Stavropolsky, Vityaz. Of the late-ripening varieties, Donetsk pickling, Donskoy 175, and Pobedel are preferred here.

In Siberia and the Far East, gardeners fell in love with: early ripe varieties Altai Early 166, Altai, Dar Altai, Cascade, Avangard 121, Universal; mid-season - Far East 6 and Far East 27; late-ripening - Vladivostok 155.

In Central Asia, Kazakhstan and Transcaucasia, in addition to varieties of European origin (Nerosimy 40, Vyaznikovsky 37, Nezhinsky 12, Donskoy 175 and others), cucumbers of local selection are grown - Tashkentsky 86, Margelansky 822, Uzbeksky 40, Kuylyuksky 262, Firstborn of Uzbekistan 265 and others .

In greenhouses and under temporary film shelters, they grow from early ripening varieties Muromsky 36, Altai early 166, Nerosimy 40, Vyaznikovsky 37, Graceful, Kharkovsky 6, and in the south of the country - Galakhovsky, Krymsky. In spring film greenhouses, hybrids TSHA-1, Maisky, April, Zozulya, Kristall, Nerosimy and others are successful.

Sowing cucumber seeds, sowing time, soil preparation

Under cucumbers in the open field, areas with fertile, light-textured, loose soils, well seasoned with organic fertilizers, are selected. Acidic, heavy soils are of little use for this crop.
Cucumber is allowed after perennial and annual grasses, on plowed or dug up deposits, and also after cabbage or tomato fertilized with manure. Good cucumber precursors are cauliflower and white cabbage, potatoes, green crops, onions, carrots, peppers, and eggplant. In all cases, it is useful to introduce fresh manure 6-8 kg / m2 and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers - 3-6 g / m2 for cucumber in autumn. In the spring, humus or compost is placed under digging, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

The soil for the cucumber has been prepared since autumn: the remains of the previous crop are removed as early as possible, fertilizers are scattered and covered. Digging is carried out to a depth of 22-25 cm. In early spring, the plot is loosened to a depth of 12-14 cm. Before sowing, the soil is loosened again to the depth of sowing, while destroying emerging weeds.
In the northern regions, special attention should be paid to the collection of fresh manure, because here it is of interest not only as a fertilizer rich in nutrients, but also as a substrate that releases heat and carbon dioxide. Manure is introduced there in the spring before digging the site. As for mineral fertilizers, it must be borne in mind that the cucumber is very sensitive to a high concentration of soil solution. Therefore, it is irrational to make a full dose of them immediately. It is best to apply fertilizer fractionally, combining the main application for autumn plowing or spring cultivation (digging) with local application in rows before sowing and subsequent top dressing.

Gardeners need to master various methods of pre-sowing seed preparation: cleaning and sorting by size or specific gravity, dressing with TMTD, soaking in water and germinating, bubbling, hardening to cold at low temperatures, heating unripe or with reduced germination of seeds stored in cold rooms - for 4-6 hours at a temperature of 40- 60° or in the sun for 7-10 days. Seeds are soaked in microelement solutions, coated, and even complex pre-sowing preparation is used, combining dressing, soaking in microelements and cold hardening. All these techniques, when used correctly, accelerate the initial development of plants, increase productivity.
Cucumber sowing is timed to coincide with the time when the threat of spring frosts has passed and the soil warms up to 10-12°C. A stable temperature above 15° should be established in the air, which is observed in the Non-Chernozem region at the end of May - the first ten days of June. Too early and too late sowing is undesirable. In the northern and central regions of the country, late sowing leads to a noticeable crop shortage due to autumn frosts, and in the south - due to lack of moisture in the soil.
In the south of Russia, cucumbers are usually sown in two terms - in spring (in April - May) varieties of salad and universal use and in summer (from June 5 to July 10) pickling varieties for canning and pickling. Seedlings of early cucumbers are usually planted after spring frosts have passed - 10-15 days after sowing seeds in the ground.

In most areas, cucumber is sown on a flat surface. In the northern regions, it is preferable to plant it on ridges or ridges. The same method is practiced in central Russia, in the Far East and in other regions on soils with a close location of groundwater, on heavy soils with stagnant water on the surface and in areas with heavy rainfall, waterlogging the soil. Sometimes fresh manure is added to the ridges and ridges to warm the soil.
Cucumbers are sown and planted usually in an ordinary way with a row spacing in the northern regions of 70 cm (plants are placed in rows every 6-12 cm), in the south - up to 90 cm (gaps between plants 15-20 cm). Sometimes nest sowing is used according to the scheme 70x70 cm or 60x60 cm, leaving 4-5 plants in the nest. Band crops of cucumber according to the 50 + 90 cm scheme are also widely used. The average seeding depth is 3-4 cm. On well-moistened and heavy soils, shallower seeding is used, with a lack of moisture and on light soils, seeding is carried out deeper. Seed consumption during manual sowing is about 3-4 g per 10 m2.

In order to improve the microclimate in cucumber crops, sometimes they resort to using wings from tall plants - sunflower, corn, Sudanese grass, placing them across the prevailing winds. The same goal is achieved with the help of compacting plants: table and fodder beets, carrots, cabbage, beans, tomatoes, etc. Seeds of compacting crops are added to cucumber seeds and sown at the same time. This technique increases the total collection of products per unit area. However, this makes plant care and cleaning difficult.

Cucumber Care

Care of cucumber crops includes thinning, weed control, cultivation and loosening, watering, pest and disease control.
Thinning is carried out simultaneously with cultivation and loosening - the first (partial) in the phase of the first true leaf, the second (final) - in the phase of 8-4 leaves at a given distance. During the growing season, 8-4 inter-row treatments and 8-b weeding in nests and rows are carried out.
Cucumber cannot be grown without watering, they will need at least 2-8 in the northern and north-western regions of the country and 8-10 in the southern and south-eastern regions. Watering is especially needed at the time of fruit formation and fruiting of plants.

Gardeners fight pests and diseases of cucumber using different methods. Agrotechnical measures provide for the correct alternation of crops - sowing according to the best predecessors, spatial isolation of cucumber crops from sources of infection and reservation of aphids, destruction of weeds, cleaning crops from diseased plants. Chemical control is the treatment of seeds and plants with various substances.
Cucumber is bred mainly through seedlings. This contributes to the early receipt of products, which is very important in vegetable growing. Seedlings are grown in peat or humus-earthen pots 6x6 or 8x8 cm in size, they are installed in greenhouses, small-sized film shelters or film greenhouses. The age of seedlings is 25-35 days.
If you sow a cucumber directly into the ground, then it is useful to mulch the rows with peat with a layer of 2-4 cm or polymer films - both black and translucent.

The culture of early cucumber under temporary film shelters is especially effective. This method is interesting for vegetable growers living in the northern regions, where it is difficult to get a high yield of cucumbers in the open field. In the south, film shelters help to get early production.
Temporary film shelters can be individual - in the form of caps over individual plants, tunnel frame and frameless. The most popular is the frame method of covering a cucumber with a polymer film stretched over wire shackles. It guarantees an annual high yield of cucumbers, regardless of weather conditions, accelerates the arrival of early products by two to four weeks.
Our (with G.P. Shultsev and I.P. Solomina) research at the Research Institute of Vegetable Farming near Moscow showed that the use of temporary film shelters in combination with other methods of growing early products gives good results: pre-sowing preparation of seeds (especially low constant temperatures), seedling method of cultivation, mulching of crops with peat or film. The total yield under the film exceeded the production obtained in the open field by three times. From the open ground in the conditions of the Moscow region, until August 1, fresh cucumbers, as a rule, do not arrive, and under the film by this time, in most cases, more than half of the crop will have time to ripen. The highest yield in the experiment was obtained with a combination of film shelters, pre-sowing preparation of seeds and seedlings.

Under film shelters it is best to grow early maturing varieties, such as Altai early 166, Vyaznikovsky 37, Graceful and others.
To avoid sunburn of the leaves, it is advisable to shoot the film in cloudy but warm weather or in the afternoon. After removing the film, immediately irrigate, and then manually weed the weeds with simultaneous thinning of cucumber plants and inter-row cultivation of crops. Immediately after the first weeding and thinning, carry out the second watering, then the second inter-row treatment, which is possible only until the lashes close in the aisles. In the future, the usual care for cucumbers, adopted in the open field, is carried out. In approximately the same way, cucumbers can also be grown in greenhouses with glass or film coatings.

Cucumbers are harvested many times (12-15 times), first after 2-4 days, then every 1-2 days. For fresh consumption, 8-12-day-old ovaries (zelentsy) 11-14 cm long are collected, and for canning they try to take 3-day ovaries 5 cm long (picks) and 4-5-day ovaries 5-8 cm long (gherkins ).
Breeders have created amicably ripening cucumber varieties for one-time (or with 1-2 selective collections) harvesting: Bush, Generous 118, Sadko, Competitor, Obelisk, etc.

Based on the materials of the journal "Plant Farming", V. Velik, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Research Institute of Vegetable Economy, 1985

Under favorable growing conditions, cucumber seeds germinate 4-6 days after sowing, the root system in the first growing season grows more intensively than the aerial part of the plant. Subsequently, the growth of the aerial part intensifies. When seeds germinate, 2 thick fleshy cotyledons appear on the soil surface, which act as leaves, nourishing all the organs of a young plant. Their significance in the life of a plant is very great: the growth and timing of the onset of flowering of cucumbers depend on them. The first true leaf is formed only 5-6 days after germination. During the period of its formation, flower tubercles begin to form in the sinus. 8-10 days after the first leaf, a second one is formed. After the root system has developed sufficiently, leaves and stems begin to grow rapidly. Each new leaf appears after 5-4 days, then after 1 day, daily, and then 2 or more leaves are formed per day. The stem also grows slowly at first, and then faster, reaching an increase of up to 2 cm per day, after the formation of 4-6 leaves in early ripe varieties, and first-order shoots develop from the axils of the leaves of the main stem in late-ripening 6-8. In the axils of the leaves of the shoots of the first order, shoots of the second order are formed, etc.

After fertilization, under normal growing conditions, cucumber ovaries grow rapidly, and the fruits reach technical (removable) maturity already 7–12 days after fertilization (greenback phase).

Relationship to temperature. Cucumber is one of the most heat-loving crops. Seeds begin to germinate only when the soil temperature is 15-18 ° C (hardened hatchlings can germinate at 10-13 ° C). At lower temperatures, the seed coat and its contents swell and rot, which is often noted with early sowing. For seed germination, the optimum temperature must be maintained daily for at least 5-6 hours. The higher the temperature, the faster and more friendly shoots appear. When sown in soil warmed up to 20 ° C, seedlings appear after 5 days, at 18 ° C - after 10.

At temperatures below 13-15 ° C, the development of plants stops, the absorption of nutrients and water by the roots is weakened, and favorable conditions are created for the spread of root rot, powdery mildew and other diseases, and female flowers fall off. A prolonged decrease in temperature to 8-10 ° C or exposure to temperatures of 3-4 C for 3-4 days can lead to plant death. At a temperature of 6 ° C, the leaves turn yellow. Seedlings and adult plants do not tolerate frost. Cucumber plants tolerate a post-emergence drop in temperature more easily than low temperatures during germination.

The cucumber is especially sensitive to the temperature regime during the formation of the reproductive organs. A decrease in temperature below 16 ° C and an increase above 25 ° C during the flowering period has a depressing effect on the growth of pollen tubes - pollen becomes sterile, fertilization stops. The optimum temperature for flowering and fertilization of flowers is 18-21 °C.

At optimal temperatures (22-25°C), flowering begins, depending on the variety, on the 22-28th day after germination, and the formation of green leaves - on the 32-38th. At a daytime temperature of 17-19 ° C and a night temperature of 12-14 ° C, early-ripening varieties begin to bear fruit only after 40-50 days, mid-ripening - after 45-55, late-ripening - 55-65 days after emergence.

Prolonged cold and wet weather damages the plant to a greater extent than prolonged drought. Night cooling in summer and early autumn shortens the growing season of cucumber. With sharp fluctuations in temperature, they experience a lag in growth, first of all, the roots die off. At elevated temperatures, plant growth stops at 42 °C.

Cucumber fruits grow mainly at night, when there is a breakdown of organic matter and the outflow of its products into fruits. Zelenets is most intensively poured at a temperature of 20-25 ° C during the day and 18-20 ° C at night, at lower temperatures fruiting stops.

The sum of effective air temperatures required for the growth and development of cucumbers from sowing to harvesting is 1172-1198 °C. Currently, a number of cold-resistant varieties have been bred, but still they are most productive in a warm, humid climate.

relation to moisture. Cucumber makes high demands on soil and air moisture, for the seed to swell, 36-42% of water is needed from its absolutely dry mass, and for germination - 20-25% more. Cucumber plants have a relatively poorly protected leaf surface from evaporation, therefore, to form 1 g of dry mass, it evaporates 500-800 g of water. In addition, the cucumber root system has a low suction power (1.5-2 atm.), and therefore it is sensitive to a lack of moisture not only in the soil, but also in the air. Even with favorable moisture in the soil, but with great dryness of the air, plants reduce the yield.

Cucumber plants stop growing if soil moisture drops to 10.1% of HB (lowest moisture capacity). With insufficient soil moisture and low relative humidity, cucumber plants grow poorly, develop slowly, the first ovaries fall off, the yield and its quality decrease. At the same time, excessive soil moisture, exceeding 85% of the total moisture capacity, in combination with low temperature, leads to the death of the root system.

The optimal soil moisture for cucumber is 75-95% HB, and the relative air humidity is 70-80%. Plants need higher soil moisture in the first growing season - before flowering. The plant consumes the greatest amount of water during the period of intensive fruiting, when the plant can use more than 5 liters per day. Therefore, the cucumber is sensitive to drought, especially during periods of flowering and fruiting.

Reducing the air humidity in greenhouses to 50% causes wilting of leaves, which reduces the assimilation of carbon dioxide by 40-50% at the initial signs of wilting and by 70-80% in plants with drooping leaves. In withered leaves, the loss of plastic substances for respiration exceeds the income from assimilation by 3-4 times.

It should be remembered that cucumbers do not tolerate watering with cold water and water, the temperature of which is lower than the temperature of the soil. In this case, the root hairs rot, and the plants die.

attitude towards the world. Cucumber is the only representative of cultivated plants of the gourd family, which can bear fruit in low light, in the range of 2000-2400 lux, but actively responds to improved lighting conditions. This plant is neutral to the length of the day, but with features of short days. In most varieties of this crop, when the day length is reduced to 10-12 hours (by shading in the morning-evening hours, rich in long-wave red rays), plant development accelerates during the seedling period for 20-25 days, the formation of female flowers intensifies and accelerates, and early and overall yield. With a long day, a large vegetative mass and few fruits are formed. The cucumber plant reacts positively to an increase in the intensity of illumination in all phases of development, especially at a young age. Lack of sunlight reduces assimilation and delays flowering by 1-2 weeks. Frequent rains, lack of light, thickening of plants lengthen the growing season of the cucumber, in addition, with a lack of light, less sugars and other nutrients accumulate in the fruits. For uniform lighting, timely weeding and thinning are necessary.

Attitude to the air regime. The cucumber plant receives carbon dioxide and oxygen from the air. The content of carbon dioxide in the air is very low - 0.03%, and the cucumber develops most productively if there is at least 0.3-0.5% carbon dioxide in the surface layer. An additional source of carbon dioxide is the soil. An important role in the formation and release of carbon dioxide is played by organic and mineral fertilizers and soil microorganisms that decompose organic matter. The content of carbon dioxide in greenhouses is increased to 0.4-0.7% by burning gas, using carbon dioxide and applying large doses of organic fertilizers. Feeding cucumber plants with carbon dioxide increases their resistance to diseases and pests. At the same time, an increase in the concentration of ammonia, which is released during the decomposition of organic substances, above 0.6% causes leaf burns, and at 4% the plants die.

For respiration and normal development, plants need oxygen, which is especially needed by the root system. With a lack of it in the soil, the growth of the root system is delayed, and under anaerobic conditions, the plant sometimes switches to nitrate respiration, most of the roots die off. Seeds of cucumbers with a lack of oxygen sharply reduce the energy of germination, and often germination. This is one of the reasons for the high responsiveness of cucumber to light and loose soils.

The presence of oxygen in the soil to a large extent depends on its mechanical composition. The optimal ratio of liquid, solid and gaseous soil phases for cucumber plants should be 1:2:3.

Relationship to food items. Cucumber grows quickly and bears fruit early, so this crop has a relatively high nutrient intake compared to other vegetables. The most important nutrients are macronutrients, which are consumed from the soil in large quantities (N, P, K, Ca), and microelements (B, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mg, Mo, etc.), which cucumbers need in small quantities. It consumes on podzolic soils of medium fertility (in kg): 28 - N, 15 - P2O5, 44 - K2O and 33 - CaO per 100 centners of marketable products.

The requirement of different varieties of cucumber, as well as one plant during the growing season for soil fertility is not the same. The assimilation of nutrients in the initial phases is weak, since the root system is not sufficiently developed. During this period, the plant consumes about 10% of nutrients and needs easily digestible forms of fertilizers and their weak concentration.

From the beginning of flowering to the formation of ovaries, up to 20% of nutrients enter the plant, and the main part (70%) is consumed during the fruiting period.

Most of all, the cucumber takes out potassium from the soil, which is easily absorbed, regulates the metabolism in the plant, increases resistance to diseases, cold resistance, increases the content of dry matter, sugars, and improves the taste of fruits. With a lack of potassium, a pale yellow border appears on the edges of the leaves (starting from the bottom); in the heat they bind. The fruits are pear-shaped. In acute starvation, dark brown spots form on the leaves between the veins. The greatest need for potassium during the fruiting period.

Phosphorus is of great importance in the initial period of development. Its deficiency hinders the flow of nitrogen into the root system. Prolonged phosphorus starvation weakens the plant, the growth of the lash slows down, the leaves become small, dense, dark green. In acute deficiency, large watery spots appear on old leaves, which spread to young ones. Damaged leaves wither. It is very important for the cucumber to have an optimal supply of phosphorus before flowering.

With a lack of assimilable nitrogen in the soil, plants grow poorly, the leaves become pale green, then turn yellow, and the lower leaves become more discolored. The flowers are relatively large, the fruits are shortened, light green, pointed. An excessive amount of nitrogen in the soil, especially with a lack of phosphorus, causes increased growth of vegetative organs, while flowering and fruiting are delayed. Cucumber culture is most demanding on nitrogen during the formation of leaves and during fruiting.

Calcium stimulates the development of roots, especially root hairs, improves soil structure, reduces acidity. With a lack of it, white spots appear along the edges and between the veins of the leaves, in the future only the main veins remain green. Growth stops, internodes remain short, the youngest leaves have upward curved edges, later wrinkle. Old leaves curl down, the fruits become small, rough, tasteless. Damage to the apical buds is also observed, and the leaves of the middle tier become domed.

Magnesium plays an important role in many plant life processes. With its deficiency, yellow spots (chlorosis) appear on old leaves between the veins, starting from the edges of the plates and spreading to the middle of the leaf. With an excess of magnesium, the leaves become darker, sometimes curled.

Cucumbers are very sensitive to soil salinity and soil solution concentration. They cannot tolerate high (more than 1%) concentrations of soil solution. The optimal concentration of mineral salts for cucumber plants at the beginning of the growing season is 0.03-0.04%, in the middle - 0.05-0.07%, the amount of aluminum is not more than 3-4 mg per 100 g of soil.

Cucumber responds well to mineral nutrition through the leaves (foliar feeding), especially after a long cold snap, when the root system cannot yet provide the plant with nutrition.

On floodplain and peaty soils, plants often lack microelements. With a lack of boron, an intense dark green color of the leaves appears in the cucumber, growth points and roots die off, internodes are shortened, and the fruits are deformed.

Then the old leaves curl up. To normalize growth, it is recommended to spray plants with a 0.1-0.2% solution of borax or to introduce it into the soil at a dose of 1-2 g / sq.m.

In film greenhouses, manganese starvation of plants often occurs: chlorosis develops on old leaves in the form of a thin green mesh, subsequently the entire leaf turns yellow, with the exception of the veins. Necrotic depressed spots form on the tissues between the veins. With such phenomena, the plant is repeatedly sprayed with a 1% solution of manganese sulfate or embedded in the soil at the rate of 5-10 g / sq.m.

After sowing seeds in open ground, every gardener is looking forward to the appearance of the first shoots. It is great if the seeds germinate quickly and the development of the bush begins. But it happens that the first sprouts appear too long, or are not shown at all. After how many days do cucumbers sprout in the ground? Why do roots not appear? You can find answers to these questions in the article. So.

Peculiarities of seed germination of cucumbers

In this section, we will share with you the theory of how cucumber seeds germinate. A seed consists of a seed coat and an embryo. The shell of the seed protects it from damage by microorganisms, early germination, drying out and mechanical damage.

A stable above-zero temperature, sufficient watering and ventilated soil contribute to the rapid emergence of sprouts. The main cycles of seed germination:

Start of life cycle

Moisture is the main component of the first cycle. When the seeds absorb the required amount of water, the process of swelling begins - the peel opens, enzyme systems are activated. Then aerobic activity begins.

The swelling process goes well at +25C. Seeds germinate quickly and grow. If the temperature drops below, the seeds will become moldy. If mold appears, further growth is not possible.

Seed development

At this stage, chemical reactions take place in the seed, aimed at splitting, oxidizing lipids, splitting starch, and forming amino acids and proteins. The result is the formation of a root.

Through the root begins the flow of nutrients from the soil. During growth, the root quickly gets rid of the peel right in the ground and further development begins.

How long do cucumbers sprout without sprouting

In order for the seeds to sprout quickly, it is important to create favorable conditions in the soil. Namely:

1. Optimum air temperature from +18 ... +25 degrees;
2. The earth at a depth of 10 cm should warm up to +18 degrees;
3. Moderately moist soil. Waterlogging and drying of the soil, negatively affects the germination of seeds;
4. Regular watering with warm water. Recommended temperature +25 degrees;
5. It is advisable to bury the seeds to a depth of no more than 2 centimeters;
6. Sprinkle seeds with light, breathable soil. For example, compost.

Under all conditions, cucumber seeds germinate in 4-5 days. If the temperature conditions are not met (dropped to +15), the cucumbers will sprout, but the processes will be significantly delayed.

Why don't cucumber seeds germinate when soaked?

Sometimes gardeners are faced with the fact that healthy-looking seeds do not germinate when soaked. Why this happens, one may ask. Consider the main reasons:

1. The room is cold. Favorable temperature for rapid seed germination +24 .. +28 degrees. Under these conditions, the roots appear in 2-3 days. At a temperature within +15, the seeds will germinate later (about a week later);
2. Many methods of pre-sowing preparation have been used. With the simultaneous use of several methods of pre-sowing preparation, the percentage of seed germination decreases. It has long been noted that successive soaking of seeds in a solution of manganese, trace elements and biologically active substances slows down the germination process;
3. Low or too high humidity. If seeds are germinated in a cloth, it is important to maintain a moderate level of humidity until they germinate;
4. The expiration date has expired. At a positive temperature not higher than +25C, the conditioned germination of seeds lasts at least 8 years. It is not recommended to leave planting material in an unheated room for the winter.

Now you know what factors affect the germination of cucumber seeds and how many days they germinate in the soil. Let's hope you find the answer to your question.

Kira Stoletova

Many summer residents like to grow vegetables by breeding seedlings. It all starts with the process of planting seeds. And many are concerned about questions - after how many days cucumber seeds germinate, how to increase germination and the reasons for not germinating them.

Seed preparation

There are many different varieties in stores, with different yields and degrees of ripening. You can choose according to taste and color. But improper preparation can immediately lead to poor germination.

Seed preparation consists of several stages:

1. Grading. For this, a solution is prepared from 50 g of salt per 0.1 l of water at a temperature of 20 °. The seeds are dipped into the solution for half an hour. The bad ones will float to the surface, remember that they are not subject to landing, they are initially empty, which means they will not germinate.
2. Soak. In a solution of 1 tbsp. spoons of wood ash and 1 teaspoon of nitrophoska lower the planting material for 12 hours.
3. Warming up Seeds are placed for 3 days in a warm place so that the temperature is 50 ° above zero. On the 4th day, the temperature is increased by 20 ° and kept for another day.
4. hardening. The material is placed in wet wipes or gauze for germination. At a temperature of 22-25°C, this process will take 2 days. After that, everything is placed in the cold for 48 hours.

If it is impossible to provide heating at 50 °, then a battery can be used at home. At a temperature of 20-25 ° it is necessary to warm up for a month. Heating itself will ensure the formation of female inflorescences, early fruiting, and simultaneous germination of one variety of cucumbers.

Cucumber seeds are suitable for 10 years, but every year they lose their benefits. Therefore, it is better to use them, the sooner the better, so that all useful properties are preserved.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the date of manufacture and shelf life of products. It is also necessary to pay attention to the storage conditions. Seed material rises very poorly if there was no access to oxygen.

To obtain a crop throughout the summer, you need to choose varieties with different ripening periods, as well as plant at different times.

Landing Rules

Before sowing, you need to prepare a place and containers in which the seeds will be planted. For growing seedlings, it is recommended to choose pots or glasses with a volume of 400 ml and a height of 120 mm.

Location selection

It is better to place the seed container on the windowsills or loggias. In this case, the germinating seeds will receive a sufficient amount of heat and light. If the weather is cloudy or there is not enough light on the windowsills, additional lighting is installed.

Soil preparation

It is also necessary to prepare the soil in which cucumber seeds will be planted. You can use special ready-made mixtures. Some summer residents themselves prepare the land for sowing. Soddy soil is mixed with humus and sawdust. For fertilizer, add 1 tsp to 10 liters of land. urea, superphosphate and potassium sulfate. If there is ordinary ash, then it will also be useful.

The soil should be light, well aerated and loose. When planting in heavy soil, a furrow is made 1.5 cm deep, the material is planted, and sifted and loose earth is covered from above.

Disembarkation time

The time for planting seeds depends on the place and conditions of planting, so the timing will fluctuate. Sprouted seeds can be sown into the soil after May 25.

To determine the timing of sowing, you can use natural clues. There is a folk wisdom that says that if the field is covered with yellow dandelions or viburnum blossoms, then the time has come for sowing.

Before planting, water the ground and give it time to warm up. After that, 1 germinated seed is planted in the soil to a depth of 2 cm. First, the temperature should be 27 ° C. Then it is gradually reduced to 20 °, and at night to 15 degrees. Such manipulations must be done for 4 days. Planting in unheated soil will lead to rotting of the seeds and the absence of seedlings.

How long does it take for seeds to germinate

Many are concerned about the question - after how many days cucumber seeds germinate. Soil temperature is the main factor for timing.

Germination of cucumber seeds begins at a soil temperature of 12-13°C. The optimal conditions for the germination of cucumbers is a soil temperature of 20-25 ° C above zero, then the first sprouts will appear after 4-6 days.

How many days will cucumber seeds germinate if the temperature is 18 ° C? The first shoots will appear in 10 days.

How long does it take for cucumber seeds to germinate if the weather worsens? In this case, seedlings will be after 1.5-2 weeks.

If after 14 days the first sprouts have not appeared, you can re-sow.

Poor germination gives planting material that overwintered on the street. Fresh seeds germinate poorly, and if they are 4-5 years old, they may not sprout at all. For good germination, take 2-year-old seeds.

How to increase germination

There are several techniques that help reduce the germination time:

• stimulation;
• soak;
• sowing.

For better germination, pots or glasses are covered with plastic wrap. This is done to reduce the supply of oxygen. With a lack of air, cucumbers sprout better. After the appearance of the first sprouts, the film is removed.

You need to water only with warm water. Cold water contributes to the development of various infections and diseases in plants. Watering is best done in good weather.

Another condition for a good result of sowing cucumbers is disinfected soil. Many people forget that there are various larvae and bacteria in the soil. Before planting, it is necessary to treat with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or boiling water.

It is almost impossible to achieve 100% germination of cucumbers. Growth stimulants increase the result by 30-35%. The main thing is to eliminate all errors and germinate the seeds, observing the necessary conditions.

Stimulation

Seed stimulation is used to increase the number of germinated seeds and germination. With this method, various growth stimulants are used. They are a supplement based on bacteria, fungi and plant elements. Such a mixture strengthens the root system and improves growth. It is recommended to use it when growing expensive varieties or hybrids.

Use the supplement strictly according to the instructions and in the correct dosage. Buy better expensive and popular options for stimulants. If used incorrectly, stimulants can backfire – slow down and stop growth.

Stimulants are used at the initial stage. After the seeds are taken out of the package. Stimulation is an alternative to simple soaking. With this method of processing, planting material is immersed in water with growth stimulants for 10-12 hours.

For stimulation, you can do with folk remedies. Valerian infusion and aloe juice are growth biostimulants.

Soak

Soaking is used in two ways:

• You will need fabric. First you need to wet it, notice the seeds are placed and covered with a damp cloth. After that, they are placed in a plastic bag. In this way, access to oxygen is blocked and the temperature increases.
• You need a bank. Manipulations are performed as in the first method, only a glass jar is used instead of a package. It is covered with a nylon lid and placed in a dark place.

When soaking, it is necessary to monitor the storage conditions so that the soaked material does not rot and become covered with fungus. An important role is played by the temperature of the water and its quality. It is best to use rain or settled water. It does not contain chlorine and other impurities. The use of distilled water is strictly prohibited. For fast and high-quality germination, the temperature should be 25 ° C. In time it will take 12 hours.

Sowing

When sowing, methods to improve germination are to prevent infection and disease. Treatment with various immunomodulators improves immunity in plants. Subsequently, they are more resistant to diseases.

Treatment once a month with trichodermin will save plants from root rot. Urea treatment is necessary for young cucumbers. 1 tsp urea is diluted in a bucket of warm water. After that, it is applied in a foliar way.

Why don't seeds germinate

There are many cases when seeds were planted, but seedlings did not occur. This indicates a violation of agrotechnological methods during cultivation. There may be several reasons:

1. Temperature. If the indicator on the thermometer is below 12 ° C, then the seeds slow down development. The hatched material begins to rot in the cold soil.
2. Planting depth. Sowing to a greater depth will increase the timing of seedlings of cucumbers. With shallow - the seeds do not have time to shed the seed coat.
3. Wet and heavy soil. Cucumber, when sown in such soil, may not sprout. Oxygen is poorly supplied to the soil if the humidity is high. In heavy soil, a crust forms, which is difficult for sprouts to break through.
4. Dry soil. Insufficient watering or hot weather prevent rapid germination. Germination slows down, and if the soil is not moistened, they may not sprout at all.
5. Seed preparation. Incorrect or excessive processing of planting material before sowing leads to late results. Wet and hatched seeds must be immediately planted in the soil without prior drying.

If the seeds were stored incorrectly, planted in poor soil without observing agrotechnological processes, then the seed germination will be poor. Therefore, you need to choose planting material carefully, paying attention to the date of manufacture and shelf life.

Many, myself, too, practice growing cucumbers in several stages, or rather, in several periods. First, I plant them in a greenhouse in a seedling way to try the first cucumbers as early as possible. Then I sow seeds in open ground - we eat these all summer, we make blanks. Here we will consider whether it is necessary to germinate seeds before sowing, discuss the reasons for the absence of ovaries on plants, get acquainted with the rules for the formation of plants during vertical cultivation or grafting.

Cultivation of cucumbers - seed germination

Many people are concerned about the question - is it necessary to germinate the seeds of cucumbers before sowing? I'm trying to grow. Sometimes, of course, there is not enough time for this, but I try ... Why? The answer is very simple - so that everyone ascends. After all, what is the goal of any gardener - everything that we plant needs to be grown, but for this everything must sprout.

Very often on imported cucumber seeds it is written: treated with tiram - do not soak. But sprouting is not soaking. Germination is when the seeds are placed in a humid environment - on cotton wool, gauze, filter paper. In this case, for moisturizing, you can use a solution of any one of the following growth stimulants: Novosil, Radiance -2, HB-101, Gumistar.

Seed germination solutions are prepared as follows:

• Radiance-2 - 1 teaspoon of the drug + 1 teaspoon of sugar + 1 glass of water (settled, warm - 30 ° -35 ° С, non-chlorinated) - leave for 8-12 hours;
• HB-101 or Novosil - 1-3 drops per 1 liter of water - withstand at least a day or until the seeds hatch.

Cucumbers are thermophilic plants. During germination, the seeds should be at a temperature of 25 ° -30 ° C - usually this temperature is near the radiator. As soon as they hatch, they immediately need to be sown.

Germinated seeds of cucumbers “pop out” from the ground on the second or third day. After germination, they need light and a temperature of 20°-23°C.

Try to feed cucumbers 2 times a week. For root top dressing, use, alternating, preparations such as Biogumus or Humistar, Radiance-2. For foliar - HB-101, Novosil.

How to determine the landing time? Usually we plant seedlings of cucumbers in a greenhouse or open ground 20 days after germination.

When transplanting, try not to injure the roots. Therefore, sprouted cucumber seeds should be planted for seedlings in large pots or containers - at least 400-500 ml.

Cucumber seeds remain viable for up to 8 years. Optimum terms of preservation of viability of 5-6 years. It is said that plants obtained from old seeds bear fruit better, their yield is higher.

Why do cucumbers have few ovaries or do they turn yellow and fall off?

These are very painful questions for many gardeners.

• One of the reasons for the small number of ovaries is improper storage and preparation of seeds. For example, the seeds are overdried, stored in a warm place. Or, conversely, the seeds were stored in a too humid place, moldy, lost their germination. It may be too old seeds.
• The second reason is the density of crops. This is the main reason why the ovaries turn yellow and fall off. Cucumbers require a large area. It is impossible to thicken landings. Where do plants get their energy and nutrients from? There is not enough space for food. Therefore, they will drop fruits to survive. The minimum distance between plants is 40-50 cm. If you plant varieties with limited side shoot growth (read the description on the back of the seed bag), then the distance can be less than 40 cm. For varieties with unlimited side shoot growth (Phoenix), the distance between the roots must be at least 80 cm.
• The third is the cultivation of cucumbers without shaping. Forming is needed to increase fruiting only for bee-pollinated varieties with abundant branching (for example, the same Phoenix), since they set fruits on branches of the second, third order.
• The fourth - sharp fluctuations in soil moisture - dried out, then watered abundantly. Cucumbers, for example, have just blossomed, ovaries have appeared, and the soil is dry. Where do they get food from? The plant, saving itself from death, takes energy from the leaves, ovaries. The ovaries turn yellow and crumble - there will be no harvest. If you can't systematically water your garden beds, then protect them from drying out by mulching. Mulch layer 5-7 cm. How can cucumbers be mulched? The best mulch for them is nettles. Nothing will rot, no slugs or snails will get close to your crop.
• Fifth - hot dry air. Growing cucumbers in a greenhouse requires frequent ventilation. In addition, it is desirable to have a container with water there to maintain and regulate air humidity.
• The sixth is irregular harvesting. Fruits not plucked in time do not allow young cucumbers to develop.

What do cucumbers need to develop? What conditions should be created for regular and abundant fruiting?

• Nutrient soil - cucumber is very responsive to organic matter.
• Warm soil - should not be planted if the soil temperature is below 15°C. You can "warm" the greenhouse by placing ordinary plastic bottles filled with water between the plants, along the beds. It is better to use dark plastic bottles, as they will better accumulate heat. During the day, the sun will heat the bottled water, and at night they will give their heat to the plants.
• Loose soil - the root system of the cucumber is located close to the surface of the soil, if it is covered with a crust, then the roots will have nothing to breathe.
• Wet soil - no plant will grow in dry soil.

There is another important feature of cucumbers. Wherever you plant seedlings, in open ground or in a greenhouse, they must be planted in holes. That is, cucumbers should grow in a recess. Then, when watering, the water will not spill, it will go directly to the roots. In addition, such a planting will allow you to pour earth into the hole in time to form additional roots - this will increase not only the fruiting period, but also the yield.

If you planted seedlings in open ground, then temporary shelter is necessary to protect it from possible frosts.

Pinching and shaping cucumbers

How to properly form cucumber plants? Do they need to be pinched?

Varietal, non-hybrid cucumbers grown in open ground (mostly bee-pollinated varieties with unlimited growth) are pinched over 3-4 leaves, since their lateral lashes are more fruitful. Such varieties usually grow grown, that is, they creep along the surface. This method of growing cucumbers has its pros and cons. Advantages - a good microclimate, the earth is sheltered from the sun, the lashes do not dry out, additional roots form on the shoots. Disadvantages - the inconvenience of collecting, possible unintentional damage to the shoots during harvesting, a lot of space is needed for the beds.

Growing cucumbers on a trellis. Advantages - saving space, convenient to harvest, convenient to process, spray. Disadvantages - it is necessary to protect the plantings from the wind, it is necessary to shade the soil - mulching is mandatory.

How to form cucumbers that grow vertically on a trellis?

When growing varieties and hybrids with strong lateral branching vertically, it is imperative to cut off the bottom 4 leaves. This is necessary for better ventilation. There will still be no harvest below, and the benefits of such an operation are significant.

In the process of growing cucumbers, the side lashes should be constantly shortened, forming a plant in the form of a pyramid standing on top, that is, the lower side lashes will be shorter than the upper ones. For example, the bottom 4 leaves or shoots were cut off, 2 leaves were left on 5-6 shoots, 3 leaves on the next, four on the top, and so on, until the main shoot reaches the top of the greenhouse. Then you can lower this whip down, while leaving one leaf on the main branch. This is a professional cucumber plant shaping scheme. The planting density with such a reverse-pyramidal formation should be 50-60 cm.

If you are growing varieties or hybrids with limited lateral branching in a vertical way, then they do not need to be shaped.

I would also like to draw your attention to the preferred "neighbors" when growing cucumbers. These are onions and carrots. In addition, cucumbers are very fond of when corn grows nearby. They can trudge along it and feel great in such conditions. Cucumbers do not mind the neighborhood with nasturtium, radish, beets, bush beans, peas. Marigolds planted nearby will scare away pests from them.