In 2006, the Paratunka f1 cucumber launched on the market - a worthy result of the work of breeders of the Semko-Junior agricultural company. The hybrid pleased vegetable growers with a successful set of qualities and quickly gained popularity.
The manufacturer gives a rather promising description of the variety:
- early ripening (40-43 days);
- high-yielding;
- parthenocarpic;
- medium-branched, medium-sized bush;
- unpretentious and stress-resistant;
- short-fruited (8-10 cm);
- cucumbers without bitterness, tasty, suitable for canning;
- high transportability;
- resistant to major diseases;
Growing
The hybrid, according to the description and reviews of gardeners, is quite unpretentious in care. But in order to unlock the full potential of the Paratunka f1 cucumber variety and get the promised 14-17 kg/m², you need to fulfill the basic agrotechnical conditions.
Initially, the variety was bred for planting in greenhouses, but it turned out that it was able to show good results in open ground. Especially if you do not sow seeds immediately in the beds, but first grow seedlings. Strong bushes can withstand slight cold snaps well, and fruiting continues until frost.
It is important to observe crop rotation and not plant cucumbers in the same place for two years in a row.. Cucumbers feel best in the garden after cabbage, onions, garlic, herbs, legumes, and root vegetables.
Seedling
At the end of April, soaked and hatched Paratunka seeds are sown in separate peat or plastic glasses with a volume of 400-500 ml. The soil mixture is prepared nutritious and light. Most often, crushed peat, compost, humus, rotted sawdust and garden soil are used, mixed in approximately equal quantities. It is advisable to supplement the composition with ash (200 g per 10 liters of mixture).
Temperature
Cucumbers germinate in a warm and humid environment. A temperature of 24-25 ℃ is optimal for the start of life of Paratunka sprouts. After germination, the temperature needs to be reduced slightly. At 20-21℃, the root of the plant develops evenly, and the above-ground part does not elongate excessively.
Planting Paratunka cucumber seedlings in the ground occurs after 3-4 true leaves appear, usually 3 weeks after germination.
Bush formation
The Paratunka hybrid requires different formation of the bush, depending on the growing method.The medium-sized and medium-branched bush declared by the manufacturer can reach 2-2.4 meters. The ovary is formed in the internodes in small bunches of 2-3 pieces. The Paratunka hybrid is parthenocarpic, therefore it does not depend on pollination by insects and most flowers are produced by cucumbers.
Since the bushes of this variety are quite voluminous, it is better to plant no more than 3-4 per 1 m² with the trellis method and 2-3 when grown without support.
Trellis method
If cucumbers are grown on trellises, then it is necessary to remove flowers and shoots up to 4-5 leaves and pinch the growing point. This will provide the plants with normal ventilation and the bushes will have time to get stronger before fruiting begins. The first two side shoots are pinched after the second leaf. After the hybrid branch has reached the top of the trellis, the growth point is cut off.
Growing without support
When growing Paratunka cucumbers without support, in addition to pinching, you can dig in some branches. The hybrid takes root easily and this allows you to strengthen and renew the root system. Cucumbers are mulched with rotted sawdust and peat. It is better to sprinkle the base of the stem higher, this will help avoid exposing the root.
Hive update
Paratunka cucumbers respond well to bush renewal. Yellowed leaves and branches that bear fruit should be regularly removed with a sharp knife or pruning shears, pinching off the growing points of the shoots. The plant will actively produce new shoots and ovaries, delighting with the harvest until frost.
Watering
Although Paratunka is quite unpretentious and stress-resistant, the stated 12-17 kg/m² yield cannot be obtained without sufficient watering. Cucumbers are a moisture-loving crop with a shallow root system.
The genetically inherent ability of the hybrid to produce high yields requires a regular and plentiful supply of water. You need to water Paratunka cucumbers with warm water in the evening or in the morning. The superficial root can be easily disturbed by a stream of water, so it is better to use a sprinkler attachment or watering can.
Feeding
Without timely fertilizing, a hybrid, even one planted in soil saturated with organic matter, will lack minerals, especially during periods of active growth and fruiting.
Vegetable growers speak well of feeding cucumbers with an infusion of mullein or bird droppings. You can use ready-made complex mineral fertilizers according to the instructions. There should be at least 3-4 feedings per season.
Diseases and pests
Breeders are trying to build resistance to major crop diseases into modern hybrids. Paratunka cucumbers are protected from:
- virus cucumber mosaic;
- powdery mildew;
- olive spot;
- introduced tolerance to bacteriosis.
If proper crop rotation is observed and air and moisture stagnation is avoided, the hybrid, according to reviews from vegetable growers, is characterized by good stability and health.
Harvest
40-42 days after germination, the Paratunka hybrid begins to produce the first crispy cucumbers. Regular harvesting at least once every 2-3 days stimulates the filling of neighboring fruits and the appearance of a new ovary.
Cucumbers are green, medium-sized (80-100 g), cylindrical in shape with small tubercles and spines. Bitterness is genetically excluded, the flesh is juicy, aromatic, without voids. Zelentsy keep their shape well when preserved and delight with excellent taste.
The Paratunka hybrid tolerates transportation well and is popular in trade.For many housewives, this variety of cucumbers has become the main choice for preparing preparations for the winter.
