Cucumber Bumblebee f1 is a bee-pollinated hybrid-pollinator of mixed flowering type, intended for replanting with the main spring-summer hybrids of the bee-pollinated type. Created specifically for summer cucumbers.
The most productive bee-pollinated cucumber hybrids are considered to be female-flowering plants. Pollen, which is produced in male flowers, is necessary for pollination of female flowers and the formation of greens. For this reason, a pollinator hybrid is added to the female hybrids, on which many male flowers are formed.
Description of the variety
Male hybrid, vigorous, with active branching. Cucumbers with black-thorned tubercles, with a middle arrangement.
Characteristic:
- variety - indeterminate hybrid;
- length - 11–13 cm;
- diameter - 3–4 cm;
- shape - cylindrical-spindle-shaped;
- flowering - mixed.
The plant is resistant to diseases such as olive spot, common cucumber mosaic, powdery mildew, tolerant to downy mildew.
Growing the hybrid is possible in sun-exposed beds or in a greenhouse. The variety produces a good harvest and pollinates hybrids of the female flowering type.
Growing seedlings from seeds
Seeds are sown mainly in open ground, while in order to obtain a higher yield, seedlings are grown in a greenhouse. Sowing indoors is carried out 3-5 days before the last expected frost. If biodegradable pots are used, it is worth placing 2-3 seeds in one container, to a depth of 1.5 cm.
Before the first shoots appear, it is important to regularly moisten the soil. The room temperature should be +21 °C. Shoots appear within 7–14 days after planting. After this, the plant is provided with good lighting, using sunlight or a fluorescent lamp.
It is necessary to minimize overdrying and severe overheating of the soil, which can cause a significant reduction in the ovary.
Before planting in open ground, seedlings need to be hardened off; for this, pots with plants are taken outside for a certain period of time during the week. Since immature sprouts are vulnerable to factors such as sun, low temperature, strong wind, containers should be located in a place protected from negative weather factors.
Fruiting occurs 41–45 days after germination; male flowers bloom a little earlier. One plant of the variety is sown on 10 main plants. Sowing is preferably carried out a week before planting the main hybrid. When planting several bushes, it is better to place them one at a time at different ends of the bed. When planted together, Bumblebee f1 increases the yield of the main variety for open ground by 50–70%.
Sowing seeds in open ground
Cucumbers should be planted in well-warmed soil after the threat of frost has passed. Seeds are placed in holes, 5–6 pieces each. Make holes at a distance of 50–70 cm. Before seedlings appear, the soil should be moistened, but not wet. The emergence of seedlings can be expected on days 10–14. After the cucumber shoots have reached a height of 3–5 cm, they need to be thinned out, leaving 3–4 of the largest sprouts in the hole.
Plant care
Cucumbers require timely treatment against diseases and pests. Cultivation and mulch are used to control weeds. Regular watering is important, mainly in the morning. For this, drip irrigation is best suited, which will promote rapid and continuous growth of plants.
Bee-pollinated varieties are preferably sown next to sunflowers, sage, lavender and oregano. The presented plants attract bees, which will increase the chances of pollination and increase the yield.
Product reviews
Gardeners note that Bumblebee f1 cucumbers are not capricious, resistant to major diseases, have many ovaries, and produce a good harvest. The seeds all germinate; no replanting is required. The descriptions also indicate that seeds should be chosen from trusted sellers, which is a guarantee of quality and the key to a good harvest.
To stimulate the growth of new fruits, regular collection of ripe cucumbers is important. The best time to harvest is early morning. Cucumbers of the Shmel variety have high taste and pickling qualities.
