Characteristics and description of the Phoenix cucumber variety, how much yield and how to grow
Phoenix cucumbers, which are one of the best Russian varieties, were bred in 1990. First, a cucumber variety with the designations 640 appeared, and then a sonorous name appeared, which has a logical explanation. Like a mythological bird, the culture was revived again after the influence of downy mildew on the tops of cucumbers. In addition, vegetables have shown their resistance to another nasty virus - cucumber mosaic. The name of the cucumbers is "Phoenix 640" and simply "Phoenix" - variety one, registered in the register in 1993 under the second.
A year after the breeding of the Phoenix cucumber variety, the farms were enriched after its reproduction with new seeds. The breeders did not stop there, and on the basis of "Phoenix" F1 hybrids also appeared, with properties of the appropriate orientation: with no dependence on pollinators from insects, resistance to diseases, improved taste characteristics.
Describing "Phoenix"
This culture is considered universal. Vegetables are optimal both for direct treats and for pickles, they successfully resist the diseases mentioned above. Another basic characteristic of these cucumbers is vigor. In length, the stem can reach three meters, and the bush itself is distinguished by its power and strong branching.
By the type of flowering, this variety is predominantly female, the ovaries are of a beam plan, and the leaves are classic green.
According to the time required for the ripening of the cucumber, the variety is classified as late-ripening. It begins to bear fruit 55 days after the initial shoots, or later. Pollination of crops is performed by bees. "Phoenix" grows optimally in open ground, although film shelters can also be used. The culture continues to bear fruit until the first frost appears.
In terms of harvest, up to 5 kilograms of vegetables are harvested per square meter. If the crops are tied up and the formation of a cucumber leaf is done, then the variety gives more fruits. And for additional branches on the side, you can pinch the main stem.
About the features of the "Phoenix" fruit
Description of the "Phoenix" cucumber variety will be incomplete without the characteristics of the fruits:
- Cucumbers are strong, large in size up to 16 cm, with a shape between a cylinder and an oval.
- The pulp of the fruit is juicy, the skin is delicate.
- The cucumbers are crispy and dense, without bitterness.
- The fruit is green in color with light stripes along the length and white thorns.
- In cross-section, the cucumbers acquire a rounded triangular shape.
- By weight, each fruit can reach up to 170-180 g, in diameter - up to 5 cm.
- The culture can be stored in Russian conditions for up to two weeks.
It is recommended to harvest the fruits after one or two days. Vegetables quickly outgrow and lose their flavor characteristics. And how much they take away moisture and nutrients to form ovaries and bloom.
About the Phoenix variety
The Phoenix breeder has created a variant - the Phoenix Plus cucumber. This variety is associated with the category of mid-ripening, begins to bear fruit after 45 days of seedling growth, and is recommended for the North Caucasus, Central Chernozem regions and the Lower Volga. Differs in average height, average branching and flowering of mixed properties.
Cucumbers "Phoenix Plus" in comparison with the classic Phoenix are distinguished by a smaller size of bushes and fruits, a complete absence of bitterness, a more numerous number of female flowers and earlier fruiting. True, there are negative reviews of some gardeners on the unsuitability of cucumbers of this type for salting.
About soil, feeding, fertilizing, watering cucumbers
As for the soil for the cucumber planting, it is saturated with humus and without stagnant water, with an acidity level of no more than 7. If the soil is considered highly acidic, then liming is performed in the autumn season. The location for the culture should be full of sun with protection from drafts, it should be planted in warm soil for the plant to acquire immunity. The cultivated cucumbers under the cover are placed in 3 seedlings, and if it is open ground, then in four.
When digging up the soil to plant a crop, organic fertilizers are introduced, and when the third true leaf appears and the ovaries are formed, nitrogen is introduced. A mineral substance based on nitrogen and potassium is given a couple of times during the growing season.
"Phoenix" is prone to regular feeding, it is important that they are both mineral and organic. If you take an infusion from bird droppings, manure or plants, then a greater formation of green mass occurs, while minerals will contribute to the formation of fruits. The Phoenix data indicate a successful trial of ready-made mineral helpers for the crop, such as Kemira Plus, which prepares the plant for fruit enrichment. Cucumbers gain 30% more strength and endurance.
As for watering, the following nuances are observed:
- Water sparingly until ovaries appear;
- 40-50 liters of water per square meter during the growing period;
- Reduce watering during a cold snap;
- Only warm water is used for irrigation.
If for some reason there is no possibility of regular watering, then mulching with the help of various materials is applied to the soil, which will protect the soil from often excessive loss of moisture.
About the basic principles of growing "Phoenix"
- Growing allows the use of seeds or seedlings in heated soil.
- It is advisable to prepare the beds in the fall with the necessary organic fertilization.
- Planting involves thorough loosening and leveling of the earth.
- If the seeds are sown, they are disinfected, and on the garden bed they are protected with a film until shoots appear.
- Sowing is possible both in rows and staggered.
- Finished seedlings should have 3-4 leaves, it is usually a month old.
- Seedlings 7 days before planting are advised to be treated with growth stimulants such as "Zircon" or "Epina".
As optimal precursors for cucumbers Tomatoes, legumes and potatoes are considered.
And once again about the merits of "Phoenix"
Cucumbers of the "Phoenix" variety have become very widespread in our country both in vegetable-growing farms and in summer cottages. There is a good reason for this - a description of its worthy features:
- Resistant to cold and aridity.
- Optimum flavoring - unusually juicy and sweet crunchy fruits.
- A variety pollinated by bees, the flowering type is female.
- The universal use of ripe vegetables in cooking.
- Resistance in the complex to cultural diseases.
- Presentation of high quality from 93%.
- The duration of the fruiting period.
Phoenix "is able to perfectly bear fruit and grow in greenhouse conditions, and greenhouses, and in open ground beds. It has proven itself to be a reliable and stable vegetable that does not burden with regular watering. And the results of the harvest grown by your own hands will make you happy with abundance and optimal taste in salad, salted and pickled varieties.
