Description of the Meringue cucumber variety, planting and care, the opinion of gardeners
Cucumbers have long been included in the number of 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 varieties of cucumbers increases and more and more stress-resistant species appear. The Merengue cucumber appeared in 2007 thanks to the efforts of Dutch breeders. The originator is the Monsanto company. The positive qualities of the variety made it in demand outside the homeland. In 2007, it was entered into the State Register of the Russian Federation.
General information
Meringue cucumbers are available for cultivation in most regions of Russia. Gardeners' reviews confirm good yield even in places with not the most favorable climatic conditions. Depending on the temperature characteristics of the region, cucumbers of the popular Meringue f1 variety are cultivated in greenhouses or in the open field. Characteristics and description of the cucumber variety:
- Early harvesting occurs in 40-50 days from the moment of planting.
- Parthenocarpic hybrid.
- The absence of bitterness is genetically inherent.
- Medium-sized.
- A small amount of foliage.
- Not too climbing.
- The foliage is green, not wrinkled.
- Average foliage size.
- Beam 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.
- Ease of growing.
- Self-pollinating.
- Cucumber resistance to temperature extremes.
Cucumbers of the meringue f1 variety are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, as they do not need insect pollination. Appearance and technical data of fruits:
- Oblong, cylindrical shape.
- Dense core.
- Dark green color.
- The presence of large tubercles.
- Resistant to deformation.
- Not prone to yellowing and overgrowth.
- Average weight is 80-100 grams.
- Small, size up to 15 centimeters.
- Lack of voids.
- Good taste.
- There is no bitterness.
Planting recommendations
There are two ways to grow Meringue cucumbers:
- Seedling method.
- The 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.
- Close the planting with foil until shoots appear.
- Maintain the temperature regime in the room.
- Compliance with the light regime, 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 the rows is at least 50 centimeters.
- Use the film before the first shoots appear.
- Timely moistening and loosening of the soil.
An event for planting seedlings is recommended to be held 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. If grown vertically, up to 4 seedling bushes can be placed on 1 square meter of land. The vertical growing technique is considered optimal, the bush is formed by tying it to a support or mesh.
Planting a vegetable in open ground takes place in the middle or late spring. A prerequisite is the soil temperature not lower than 15 degrees.
Sowing care
The technology of further cultivation consists of compliance with simple rules of agricultural technology:
- Regular watering.
- Weeding and loosening the soil.
- Pinching shoots.
- Use of insecticides subject to pests.
- Timely harvest, at least once every 4–5 days.
Cucumber care includes mandatory feeding. Cucumbers react positively to various fertilizers, any organic matter will do. When choosing nitrogen fertilizers, it is important not to overdo it. An excess amount is detrimental to the development of the plant. It should be carried out during the entire growing season, observing a break of 2 weeks.
Gardeners' opinion
Good day! After hearing positive reviews about Merengue cucumbers, I decided to plant a couple of beds. The variety of the Dutch selection feels great in the conditions of central Russia. In care, the plant turned out to be unpretentious, it is enough to follow the rules of agricultural technology recommended by the originator. Cucumbers have excellent taste, without bitterness. They ate fresh with pleasure, added to salad and marinated a couple of jars for the winter. Next year I will definitely highlight a few beds for Merengi. I did not find any minuses for myself.
Alexander Arnoldovich, 53 years old
Good afternoon! For lovers of cucumbers, I advise you to try the very productive Merenga variety. The self-pollinated plant feels comfortable in the greenhouse and shows a decent harvest. It is better to plant in seedlings, so the cucumbers can be harvested earlier. Fruits without bitterness, very juicy and sweet. Suitable for fresh consumption and for harvesting. Recommend!
Anastasia Polikarpova, 44 years old
