Most gardening sites always have beds with cucumbers. Statistics confirm the demand for the plant among Russian vegetable growers. Every year, breeders around the world replenish the seed supply of cucumbers, creating more stress-resistant and fertile varieties. The Atlet cucumber was bred by Moscow breeders in 1999. The originator of the plant was the agricultural company Gavrish.
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General information about the plant
The cucumber of the Atlet f1 variety has been on the State Register list since 2002. Cucumbers of this variety are considered one of the most popular varieties for cultivation in film shelters and greenhouses. Description of the external features of the plant and technical data of the cucumber:
- hybrid species;
- salad;
- indeterminate;
- average ripening time, cucumbers are ready for harvesting in 50–60 days;
- bee-pollinated;
- vigorous;
- average percentage of branching;
- the length of the lateral processes reaches 3.5 meters;
- flowers of mixed flowering type, predominantly female;
- large, smooth green foliage has irregularly serrated edges;
- the number of nodes on the main stem reaches 15, each with two ovaries;
- high yield, up to 35 kilograms of cucumbers per square meter of planting;
- persistent immunity from powdery mildew;
- suitable for growing in shaded areas;
- increased shade tolerance;
- transportable;
- collection must be carried out at least three times a week;
- prone to overgrowth;
- the first 5–7 lateral shoots are removed when the main stem is formed;
- high percentage of fruit preservation.
IMPORTANT! The percentage of marketable cucumbers reaches 88%.
The zoning of the plant has been successful in most parts of Russia. Officially approved areas for cultivation include:
- Central.
- Central black earth.
- North Caucasian.
- Volgo-Vyatsky.
- Northern.
- Northwestern.
Appearance of fruits and technical characteristics of cucumbers:
- Regular cylindrical shape.
- Large tubercles.
- Length up to 20 centimeters, maximum up to 30 centimeters.
- Dark green skin with clearly defined light longitudinal stripes.
- White thorns.
- Rare pubescence of the plant.
- Average weight 120–140 grams.
- Diameter from 3.5 centimeters.
- Crispy.
- Soft pulp.
- No bitterness.
- No cavities.
The originator classifies the variety as a salad type and recommends it for fresh consumption. If desired, twisting and salting is possible.
Recommendations for growing the plant
Planting cucumbers of the mid-early Athlete variety is possible in two ways:
- Rassadny. Occurs 30 days before the day of intended planting in the ground. Before planting, the seeds are soaked until they germinate. Planting depth is 1–2 centimeters in pre-moistened soil. It is necessary to maintain the room temperature at least 21 degrees and regularly water with water at room temperature.
- Seedless. Plants begin to sow sprouted seed material when the soil warms up to plus 12 degrees. Otherwise, the planting will freeze completely and disappear. The recommended seeding depth is more than 2 centimeters. Up to eight bushes can be placed on one square meter.
To plant the variety, you should choose areas on flat or elevated terrain. The soil should be loose enough to hold moisture and nutrients. To feed the plants, a small trench of up to 40 centimeters should be dug next to the bed, into which the necessary organic additives should be added. Planting cucumbers can be preceded by potatoes, onions, beans, tomatoes or celery. One of the main points affecting the yield of a plant is a correctly formed cucumber crown.
Subsequent measures to care for the plant include timely application of fertilizers, tying to the trellis, removal of weeds and timely watering of cucumbers.
