Description of the April cucumber variety, characteristics and cultivation
Cucumber April f1 has been in the top of the best hybrids for several decades and is not going to give up its positions. Vegetable growers began acquaintance with this variety back in 1977. The April F1 was quickly tested not only in greenhouses and garden beds, but also on the balconies of our country. Thanks to the weakly branched bush and general unpretentiousness, cucumbers feel great in pots on loggias and window sills, delighting with a decent harvest.
Currently, the seeds of the April f1 hybrid are grown and sold by most of the well-known agricultural firms in our country: "Gavrish", "Manul", "Seeds of Altai", "Demetra-Siberia" and others. Manufacturers give the following description of the variety:
- parthenocarpic (does not require bee pollination);
- early maturing (45-50 days);
- universal - suitable for open and protected ground, growing on the balcony;
- high-yielding;
- medium-growing bush;
- medium-sized cucumbers (length 15-25 cm, weight 200-250 g);
- does not overripe;
- tasty, juicy, without bitterness;
- resistant to disease;
- friendly return of the harvest.
Growing
The cucumber variety April f1 was bred by breeders for growing in greenhouses. But over time, it was successfully tested in the open field and as a pot culture on the balcony. Reviews of vegetable growers about this variety of cucumbers are always the most positive. The parthenocarpic properties inherent in the hybrid allow plants to lay the ovary without the participation of insects. But it was noticed that with free access of bees, the yield of the Aprelsky f1 variety is significantly improved.
Seedling
For seedlings, April cucumber f1 is sown about a month before setting a stable heat above + 16-17 ℃. During this time, the bushes will have time to form 4-5 true leaves and a fairly powerful root. This requires separate containers with a volume of at least 400 ml. It was noted that growing April f1 cucumbers in smaller containers negatively affects the development of the root system and the plant as a whole.
The soil mixture is prepared from rotted manure, compost and peat mixed with wood ash.
To avoid many undesirable diseases, cucumber seeds are kept in a 1% manganese solution for half an hour. Then they are washed under running water and germinated for 1-2 days in a warm place on a damp cloth.
The seeds of the April f1 hybrid are buried in the soil by 2-3 cm and watered with warm water. Before the emergence of seedlings, it is better to cover the containers with foil and maintain a temperature of 24-25 ℃. Then the film is removed, and the temperature is reduced to 20-21 ℃.
Temperature regime
Cucumbers came to us from humid tropical forests, so the care of this crop is aimed at approximating natural conditions. The temperature there is almost constantly kept within 24-28 ℃.Therefore, cucumbers practically stop developing at + 15 ℃, and die at temperatures below +10 ℃.
Planting seedlings in open ground should not be earlier than the installation of stable warm weather, and the seedlings must be covered with foil.
The April f1 hybrid has some tolerance for changes in weather conditions. Already at 20-22 ℃, it is able to develop and bear fruit, and for a short time tolerate decreases to + 16-17 ℃. At lower temperatures, it is better to grow April f1 cucumbers in greenhouses.
Soil and fertilizing
The soil should always be moist, warm, light and saturated with humus as much as possible. Overripe foliage, sawdust, humus, compost, crushed peat mixed with a fertile layer of the garden and sand will create a familiar environment for cucumbers. Organic matter must be supplemented with mineral additives: ash 200 g per 1 m², complex granular fertilizers according to the instructions. The depth of root propagation in cucumbers is small, so 30 cm of such a soil mixture is enough.
Every 10-14 days, the hybrid needs feeding. April responds well to the alternation of organic (infusion of mullein or bird droppings) and mineral fertilizers.
Bush formation
The April f1 hybrid can be grown without forming a bush, since the breeders have established genetically weak branching. But to get the maximum possible yield of cucumbers, it is better to tie the plants to the trellises and form them in the form of an inverted Christmas tree.
The base of the hybrid bush should be sparsely leafy and without side shoots up to 5-6 leaves. This will ensure that the cucumbers are planted with normal ventilation and will protect them from fungal diseases. The first inflorescences up to the sixth internode are removed, allowing the plant to root and grow normally.
Then the side shoots are pinched, first after 2 leaves, following after 3-4. When the main branches of April cucumbers reach the top of the trellises, they are fixed and the growing point is cut off. Thus, you should get a powerful non-thickened bush that can withstand the difficult fruits of April.
It is better not to plant more than 3-4 plants per 1 m².
Watering
Cucumbers are sensitive to sudden changes in soil moisture, since the root system of plants is on the surface and dries out very quickly.
A thick layer of mulch helps to avoid rapid evaporation of water and creates the necessary microclimate and aeration of the top layer. For this procedure, chopped straw, rotted sawdust, peat dust are suitable.
Although cucumbers are moisture-loving crops, watering is done depending on weather conditions. On cool rainy days, if you overdo it with watering, you can provoke rotting of plants.
Important!
It is especially important to prevent overcooling of the root system of the bushes and to use only warm water 23-24 ℃. On hot days, watering of cucumbers is increased up to 1-2 times a day, and it is even better to establish constant drip irrigation.
Pests and diseases
A general characteristic from seed producers indicates that the breeders have laid in the April f1 cucumber variety resistance to common diseases of this crop:
- common cucumber mosaic virus;
- olive spot;
- tolerant to root rot;
- peronosporosis.
It is possible to prevent the infection of cucumbers with other diseases and pests with the help of competent crop rotation and cleaning the site from weeds and plant debris.
Important!
Do not plant a pumpkin plant in the same spot for two years in a row..
April cucumbers f1 feel great in the beds after cabbage, legumes, root vegetables, herbs.
In greenhouses, with the annual cultivation of this crop, it will be necessary to replace the soil and treat the entire inner part of the structure with an antiseptic.
Harvest
Already 45-50 days after germination, the April f1 will allow you to take the first sample of crispy cucumbers.The harvest ripens amicably, giving vegetable growers 7-12 kg from 1 m² in the first month. Even the hybrid bushes grown on the balcony have stable fruiting throughout the season. April cucumbers f1 do not overripe for a long time, patiently waiting in the wings.
Zelentsy grow slightly spiny, large tuberous, saturated green with light stripes from the inflorescence. The pulp is tender, aromatic, without bitterness. The fruits of the April f1 cucumbers are large enough, 15-20 cm, but even and fit well in the whole jar when preserved. In fresh salads, April cucumbers are also always on top.
