Cucumbers have long been among the popular plantings in the gardens of Russian gardeners. One of the main tasks is to choose the right variety, focusing on the climate and soil characteristics in the cultivation area. Every year the number of cucumber varieties increases and more and more stress-resistant species appear. The Meringue cucumber appeared in 2007 thanks to the efforts of Dutch breeders. The originator was Monsanto. The positive qualities of the variety have made it in demand outside its homeland. In 2007, it was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation.
General information
Meringue cucumbers are available for cultivation in most regions of Russia.Reviews from gardeners confirm good yields even in places with less than favorable climatic conditions. Depending on the temperature characteristics of the region, cucumbers of the popular Meringue f1 variety are cultivated in greenhouses or open ground. Characteristics and description of the cucumber variety:
- Early, harvest occurs 40–50 days from planting.
- Parthenocarpic hybrid.
- The lack of bitterness is genetically determined.
- Medium height.
- A small amount of foliage.
- Not too climbing.
- The foliage is green, unwrinkled.
- Average foliage size.
- Bundle type of ovary.
- Up to 4 fruits in one ovary.
- Resistant to many diseases and infections of the pumpkin family.
- High yield, up to 15 kilograms of cucumbers per square meter.
- Easy to grow.
- Self-pollinating.
- Cucumber resistance to temperature changes.
Cucumbers of the f1 meringue variety are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, as they do not require pollination by insects. Appearance and technical data of the fruit:
- Oblong, cylindrical shape.
- Dense core.
- Dark green color.
- Presence of large tubercles.
- Resistance to deformation.
- Not prone to yellowing and overgrowth.
- Average weight 80–100 grams.
- Small, up to 15 centimeters in size.
- No voids.
- Good taste.
- There is no bitterness.
Recommendations for planting
There are two ways to grow Meringue cucumbers:
- Seedling method.
- Seeds are planted directly into the soil.
The originator recommends the first method for Meringue cucumbers. To obtain healthy seedlings you should:
- Purchase coconut tablets or briquettes as a container for planting.
- Place each seedling in a separate container.
- Plant seeds in moist soil.
- Planting depth is 1.5–2 centimeters.
- Cover the planting with film until shoots emerge.
- Maintain the temperature in the room.
- Compliance with the light regime for at least 10 hours.
- Regular watering and loosening.
- Hardening before planting.
IMPORTANT! Damage to the root system during transplantation has a detrimental effect on the development of the plant.
After 3–4 weeks, the seedlings are ready for sowing. When planting seeds directly into the ground:
- Planting depth is 2–3 centimeters.
- The distance between rows is at least 50 centimeters.
- Use the film before the first shoots appear.
- Timely moistening and loosening of the soil.
It is recommended to carry out the planting of seedlings in the evening hours. Particular attention is paid to the soil. It is advisable to choose an area where cabbage, onions or potatoes were previously cultivated. The soil should not be acidic. Under the condition of vertical cultivation, up to 4 seedling bushes can be placed on 1 square meter of land. The vertical growing method is considered optimal; the bush is formed by tying it to a support or net.
Vegetables are planted in open ground in mid- or late spring. A necessary condition is the soil temperature not lower than 15 degrees.
Sowing care
The technology for further cultivation consists of following simple rules of agricultural technology:
- Regular watering.
- Weeding and loosening the soil.
- Pinching shoots.
- Use of insecticides to deal with pests.
- Timely harvesting, at least once every 4-5 days.
Caring for a cucumber includes mandatory feeding. Cucumbers react positively to various fertilizers; any organic material will do. When choosing nitrogen fertilizers, it is important not to overdo it. Excessive amounts have a detrimental effect on the development of the plant.It should be carried out throughout the growing season, observing a break of 2 weeks.
Gardeners' opinion
Good day! Having heard positive reviews about Meringue cucumbers, I decided to plant a couple of beds. The variety of Dutch selection feels great in the conditions of central Russia. The plant turned out to be unpretentious in care; it is enough to follow the rules of agricultural technology recommended by the originator. The taste of cucumbers is excellent, without bitterness. We enjoyed eating it fresh, adding it to salads, and pickling a couple of jars for the winter. Next year I will definitely set aside several beds for Meringue. I didn’t find any cons for myself.
Alexander Arnoldovich, 53 years old
Good afternoon! I advise cucumber lovers to try the very productive Meringue variety. A self-pollinating plant feels comfortable in a greenhouse and produces a decent harvest. It is better to plant in seedlings, so the cucumbers can be harvested earlier. The fruits are without bitterness, very juicy and sweet. Suitable for fresh consumption and for preparations. I recommend!
Anastasia Polikarpova, 44 years old
