Hybrid cucumber "Dirigent" from Dutch breeders

Cucumbers are vegetables that no feast is complete without. Cucumbers are popular not only because of their excellent taste, but also because of their high content of nutrients. These vegetables have been cultivated and cultivated for several thousand years, gradually improving their properties and taste.

Napoleon promised a decent reward to anyone who could keep cucumbers fresh during long military campaigns, and the first greenhouses were built for the ancient Roman politician Tiberius Gracchus, as he wanted to eat fresh vegetables all year round.

The selection does not stand still and continues to replenish the register with new varieties. Today we will talk in detail about the early ripening hybrid Dirigent f1, famous for its high yields and tasty fruits.

Description of the variety

Dirigent cucumber is the development of Dutch breeders. The crop was recently bred, belongs to the first generation hybrids (f1) and is in high demand among many gardeners.

Reference. Hybrid f1 is the first offspring resulting from crossing genetically dissimilar parental varieties.

Composition, benefits, calorie content

The composition of cucumbers is superior to that of many other vegetables. They contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B9 (folic acid) and vitamin C necessary for the healthy development of the human body.

In addition to vitamins, vegetables contain microelements: iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iodine, silver. The peel contains a lot of fiber, which improves intestinal motility.

The low calorie content (14-15 kcal per 100 g) allows these vegetables to be used in diets.

Interesting. For a long time, cucumbers have been used in cosmetology - they whiten the skin, clean pores, and eliminate bags under the eyes. Initially, vegetables were used at home, and then became widely known in cosmetology clinics. Cucumber masks and lotions are indispensable to this day.

Plant characteristics

The plant type is indeterminate; as a result of the constant growth of the bush, a higher yield can be obtained. It does not require pollination; fruiting begins 40-45 days after sowing the seeds.

The branching of the bush is average, the leaves are dark green, small, flowering is of the female type.

It is characterized by increased resistance to dangerous diseases of the pumpkin family, such as powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus and brown spot. Adapts well to hot climates.

Productivity is high - from 1 sq. m, 4-7 kg of fruits are collected, provided that 3-5 seedlings are planted per 1 sq. m. m.

Characteristics and photos of fruits

The length of the fruit is up to 10 cm, the shape is cylindrical and elongated, the color is dark green. The tuberosity is not very pronounced, the peel is dense. Average weight is 65-80 g, the taste is excellent, the fruits are juicy and crisp, without bitterness. The seeds are small, the seed chamber is small.

Ideal for fresh consumption and canning. Thanks to their durable peel, which can withstand any heat treatment, cucumbers retain their attractive appearance and unique taste in jars for a long time.

Ripe vegetables can withstand long-distance transportation, maintaining its presentation.

We grow a hybrid ourselves

The crop is interesting because it can be grown in two ways: seedlings and direct planting in the ground.

Sowing seeds in the ground

Seeds are sown in the beds when the soil warms up to +18...19 °C. Before sowing, pre-made holes are fertilized with peat or humus. If the beds are mulched, this will attract worms, which will loosen the soil. This improves its breathability, and oxygen is necessary for the full development of plants. In addition, mulch helps the beds stay moist longer.

Seeds are sown to a depth of 1 cm, nose up. This method of planting will speed up the process of seed germination. After sowing, the bed is covered with non-woven material and sprayed over the cover with warm water from a spray bottle. When shoots appear, the covering material is removed.

Planting seeds for seedlings

Sowing seeds for seedlings begins 20-25 days before transplanting to a permanent place. It is impossible to collect seed material yourself, since hybrid crops do not retain their parental properties in subsequent generations. That's why they are bought every season. The manufacturer processes the seed material himself, so it does not require additional preparation for planting.

Only individual containers are suitable for sowing. The root system of cucumbers is vulnerable and difficult to tolerate picking and replanting to a permanent location. Therefore, they choose peat pots or sow them in eggshells. When planting seeds in these containers, subsequent replanting into the ground is not required, since both peat and eggshells dissolve in the ground on their own without harm to the roots.

The soil is prepared from garden soil mixed with peat. The finished mixture is poured with a hot solution of dark potassium permanganate or steamed in the oven for 15 minutes at a temperature of +50 °C.

Seeds are sown to a depth of 1 cm.After sowing, the soil is slightly compacted and moistened with warm, settled water from a sprayer. Then they are covered with film to simulate greenhouse conditions and left in a bright room at a temperature of +22 °C.

When shoots appear, the film is removed. Water as the top layer of soil dries out from a shallow watering can. After watering, the soil is carefully loosened.

Reference. Cucumbers are moisture-loving plants, but you shouldn’t overwater them. Excess moisture threatens rotting.

Two weeks after germination, the first feeding mineral fertilizers.

The seedlings are ready to be transplanted into the ground as soon as at least three true leaves are formed.

Transplantation and subsequent care of Dirigent cucumbers

The holes are prepared in advance, filling one third with humus. The distance between them is at least 30 cm. After planting, the hole is filled with loose soil, watered and mulched.

Planting in the ground is carried out in the evening, when the sun is not very hot. This way the seedlings will quickly take root in a new place.

Water moderately, in the evening or early morning. On dry days, watering is carried out daily. In more favorable weather conditions, it is enough to water once every 2 days. Water at the roots, without getting on the leaves.

After watering, the soil is loosened and weeds with roots are removed so that they do not interfere with the full growth and development of seedlings.

Two weeks after transplantation, a second feeding is carried out. Fertilize with organic matter: mullein infusion in a ratio of 1:15. If the seedlings do not grow well, before flowering they are fed again with a full range of minerals. During the formation of ovaries, the crop is fed twice, alternating the addition of organic matter with minerals.

You can also add potassium-phosphorus compounds created specifically for cucumbers to the fertilizer.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

The formation of plants is carried out to increase the quantitative indicator. Here it is necessary to clarify that the Dirigent hybrid can be grown without formation, if there is no interest in increased yield. In this case, there is no need to install a trellis: the plants will spread along the ground on their own. There is only a need to mulch the beds in order to protect the seedlings from pests and prevent the leaves from coming into contact with the ground.

For shaping, a trellis is installed, to which the seedlings are tied a week after transplanting into the ground. As soon as the top reaches the level of the wire, it is pinched, leaving no more than three leaves on the stem. The side shoots are poorly developed, so they do not interfere with the full development of the plant.

Reference. To make a trellis, you will need two supports made of metal or wood, which are placed along the edges of the bed. Twine or wire is pulled horizontally between the supports. The optimal distance between stretched rows is 30 cm.

Diseases and pests

According to descriptions and reviews from gardeners, Dirigent cucumbers are resistant to major diseases and are practically not affected by them if preventive measures are taken. By observing moderate and timely ventilation of closed structures, watering, loosening, and mulching, you don’t have to worry about plants being damaged by viral and fungal infections.

Another important stage in the full and healthy development of cucumbers is compliance with the rules of crop rotation. It is not recommended to plant cucumbers in the place where pumpkin, melon and zucchini previously grew.Legumes, corn, garlic and dill will be good neighbors for cucumbers.

Reference. If you follow the rules of crop rotation, a rich harvest is guaranteed. The rules are based on the rational use of land and the enrichment of the soil with useful substances in a natural way.

Among the pests, whiteflies and aphids can cause trouble. When there is a large concentration of insects, insecticides are used - for example, the drug "Inta-Vir" or "Aktara". Folk methods are no less effective: soap solution and onion peel infusion. Both the stem and leaves of the seedlings are treated with any of these products.

Harvesting and application

Since the seedlings are not thickened, but, on the contrary, open, harvesting is not difficult. And since fruit formation occurs constantly, you will harvest within a few weeks.

Fruits with impeccable taste and shape are an excellent addition to any dish. Cucumbers are also ideal for pickling, marinades And conservation.

Vegetables remain marketable for 2-3 weeks, which makes it possible to successfully sell them on markets in any region.

Reference. Growing cucumbers for sale is an affordable and profitable type of business. Among all greenhouse crops, cucumbers are the most unpretentious and are always in demand.

Advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid

Among the advantages of culture:

• the ability to grow fruits with seedlings and seeds;
• unpretentious care;
• early ripening;
• optional shaping and garter;
• adaptability to hot climates;
• high yield;
• resistance to major diseases;
• excellent taste of fruits;
• preservation of presentation;
• long transportation;
• universal application.

The disadvantages of the culture include the inability to independently select seeds.

Reviews

When leaving reviews of the crop, farmers primarily note Dirigent’s ability to bear fruit even in an unfavorable year.

Oksana, Kostroma: «The cucumbers are crispy and without voids. Equally tasty both in canned and fresh dishes. I am also pleased with the fact that the bushes do not get sick, the greenery is beautiful and juicy even in the scorching sun. Fruiting is excellent and care is easy.”

Vladimir, Krasnodar: “It’s already hot here in April, so I plant cucumbers directly in the ground without covering material. I water it daily, so my fruits are always juicy, crispy and with tender skin. I grow not only for myself, but also for sale; it is important for me to get an early and abundant harvest. Dirigent copes well with these tasks. So far I don’t see an alternative to it.”

Conclusion

Dirigent f1 cucumbers deservedly occupy pride of place in summer cottages. The hybrid is not demanding in care, has a high yield, strong immunity and easily adapts to heat.

The taste of the fruit is high, which makes it possible to use ripe vegetables for preparing a variety of dishes.