For every gardener, summer is the first aromatic crispy cucumber, which they look forward to every day, looking under the density of green vines. Nowadays, the assortment of this wonderful vegetable is very large, but I would like to describe a unique variety - the Chinese Snake cucumber, which has conquered many hearts.
Characteristics of the variety
The vegetable crop belongs to the pumpkin family. It has been on the Russian market for about 10 years. Its unpretentiousness and excellent taste have gained popularity among many summer residents. The description of the variety begins with its name, which comes from the long, twisting fruit.
Early ripening crop - removal of the first fruits after 25-30 days from seed germination.
A tall stem up to 3.5 m long with a minimal number of side shoots allows the variety to be planted more often than other species. A climbing plant requires a high trellis, otherwise the fruits will be inconspicuous without support. This contributes to the correct formation of the stem and the ability to ventilate the bush. This is done regardless of the cultivation conditions: garden beds or greenhouse. Cultivation in open ground produces fruiting until mid-autumn, even at night temperatures above 6 °C.
Adapted to growth in lighted and shady areas, unpretentious to temperature changes. It grows quickly every day, having a thin elastic skin with large tubercles, dense and juicy pulp without voids. Greens, exotic in shape, reach a length of 40 to 85 cm. Small seeds are located in a compact seed coat. The sweet taste of the fruit without the presence of bitterness is accompanied by a delicate aroma.
Harvests harvested at the wrong time are characterized by the appearance of real snakes, reaching up to 90 cm in length. One cucumber completely fills the salad bowl. They are not only consumed fresh, they can also be used for winter preparation - pickling and salads. Its taste is similar to pickled gherkin.
Growing and care conditions
Cultivation is carried out using seedlings. At the end of April, the seeds are sown for seedlings in a planting container in the form of cups in pre-prepared soil or purchased universal soil, to a depth of 2 cm. Watering is carried out and left under the film in a warm, illuminated place with periodic removal and ventilation. When seedlings appear, the cover is removed and is not used in the future.
In order for cucumbers to produce a good harvest, it is necessary to grow full-fledged healthy seedlings. A hardening procedure is used to lower the temperature in the room. A month later, around the end of May, the young seedlings are transplanted into a heated greenhouse. By the beginning of June - to a permanent place in the ground. When planting seeds directly into the soil, to obtain the fastest germination, first soak them.
They are grown both in a greenhouse and openly in the garden.
Taking into account the characteristics of a tall single-stem bush and the presence of short, few side shoots, it is planted more densely than ordinary species. When planting seedlings and seeds, the optimal distance should be maintained - 50x100 cm. Planting is carried out in moist soil with the preliminary addition of humus. The size of the holes is correlated with the power of the roots. To retain moisture and reduce the number of weeds, the soil around the seedlings is mulched with sawdust or straw.
It responds well to fertilizing with fertilizers and combined watering; in this way, nutrients reach the roots faster. During the growing season, cow manure and urea solution are applied several times, alternating. The love for daily abundant watering is expressed by the fear of dry soil, which can lead to a loss of taste in fruits with the appearance of bitterness. Weeding the beds during the season is mandatory.
Leaves that have become blackened by sunlight must be cut off in the morning.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like all other types, Chinese snake cucumbers have their advantages and disadvantages. By providing plants with comfortable growth, you can achieve quality benefits:
- Super early – 35-37 days from germination to harvest.
- Excellent taste characteristics - a pronounced sweetish taste without bitterness.
- Predominance of female flowering with numerous fruit set.
- Long-term fruiting throughout the season, until the first frost.
- Unique yield - from 1 bush - up to 30 kg.
- Stable resistance to adverse weather - extreme heat and low temperatures, as well as diseases and pests.
- Minimal care and unpretentious cultivation.
- In terms of planting area, 3 plants replace 1 regular one.
- Suitable for preservation and pickling.
- High level of presentation.
- Shade tolerance.
- Grows well in open ground at temperatures from 30 to 35 °C.
The great presence of advantages clearly outweighs the disadvantages:
- Growing by seed is not recommended due to poor seed germination.
- Not intended for long-term storage - they quickly fade and lose quality.
- Not suitable for pickling.
Review
Of the numerous reviews about the Chinese snake cucumber, I would like to give the most substantiated review.
“When I decided to grow the Chinese kite, my friends accepted this hobby as strange. How many varieties have I tried, none have brought me as much satisfaction from the result as this one. The amazing features of the vegetable amazed me from the moment I saw a broken piece of one long fruit on the bush. And imagine my surprise when, after a while, I discovered that the place of the break had healed, and the cucumber itself had actually grown in length. My joy knew no bounds; after this incident, my cucumbers grow every year and bring benefits, and that’s why I’ve been growing them for a long time.
Since then, I often cut off a piece to make a quick salad. I want to tell you how I grow this miracle.I first prepare the trenched bed about 2 weeks before planting. I pour fresh manure, straw and humus into them. I water it abundantly every day, right up until planting.
On the last day, I scatter the ground egg shells and mix them well with the soil using a pitchfork. I drive in pegs to guide the plants along the trellis and stretch the twines. I plant the seedlings after 20 cm and immediately cover them with film. I do air baths - ventilation. When I see the first tendrils on the trellis, I completely remove the film and make the first feeding with bread infusion: dry crusts with warm water.
And now my cucumbers are fully starting to grow rapidly, which I carefully help by tearing off side shoots and leaves. I water it under the root with warm water, trying not to get it on the leaves. My greens grow up to half a meter and bear fruit until the end of September. I would be very glad if I helped with my advice, I wish everyone an excellent harvest!” Marina Ivashova, 52 years old.
The Chinese vegetable is rightfully popular and in demand. Having planted this variety on a plot, it is impossible to part with it in the future. Taking proper care of your plants will help you achieve delicious, unusual cucumbers.
