Description and characteristics of the Othello cucumber variety, planting and care

Long before the gardening season begins, gardeners begin searching for a cucumber variety that stands out from the previous one. For those seeking a high yield without much effort, the Othello cucumber variety (an F1 hybrid) is the best choice. Vegetable growers have only positive reviews of Othello cucumbers, as they are delicious and suitable for pickling and marinating.

Features of the variety

Dutch breeders have developed a new hybrid that grows well both in greenhouses and outdoors. However, judging by reviews of the Othello F1 cucumber, it's best grown in open beds, as it's a hybrid and bee-pollinated. The variety is early maturing and suitable for any climate. From first sprouts to harvest, it takes 1.5 months.

Important! It is not recommended to collect hybrid seeds, as they will not retain their unique qualities in the second generation.

Reviews and descriptions of Othello cucumbers attest to their high yield and excellent taste. Almost all cucumbers are uniform in size and shape, with no hollows, making them suitable for fresh consumption, pickling, and marinating. The hybrid has good resistance to diseases that affect other varieties. Growth and yield are unaffected by adverse weather conditions.

Pros and cons of a hybrid

Judging by reviews and descriptions of Othello F1 cucumbers, it follows that this vegetable crop has many undeniable advantages:

• early maturity;
• pleasant taste and versatility in use;
• high yield rates;
• long-term storage;
• long-distance transportation.

The disadvantages include not very high resistance to temperature changes and heavy rains.

Despite the shortcomings, expert reviews indicate that ripe cucumbers meet the stated characteristics.

Description of cucumber Othello F1

The Othello cucumber is no different from its fellows, but it has its own characteristics.

Appearance of the bush and leaf

The main stem of the bush is tall, up to 2 m, and the vines twine vigorously. The plant's leaves are five-lobed, serrated, and green.

All about flowering and yield

This variety primarily produces female flowers. The flowers form up to six ovaries per axil. The flowers are bright yellow. The cucumbers grow cylindrical, averaging 10-12 cm in length. The fruit is glossy and finely tuberculated. The skin is thin, heavily pubescent, and a rich green color with narrow white stripes. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet, with no bitter aftertaste. High yield: from 1 m² A vegetable grower can harvest up to 10 kg of crops.

Agrotechnical characteristics of the species

To obtain a bountiful harvest, it's important to choose the right location for growing the crop. The site should be well-drained and protected from drafts. Before planting, prepare the soil according to crop rotation guidelines. The best soil is the one where peppers, eggplants, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, legumes, and cabbage crops were previously grown.

The vegetable requires humus-rich, warm, not too heavy soil, sandy loam or loamy. Neutral or slightly acidic soil is preferable. Wood shavings or rotted leaves are added to the soil to improve aeration.

Necessary climatic conditions for growing the variety

According to reviews, the Central Black Earth Region is ideal for growing the Othello cucumber. The hybrid grows equally well in other regions due to its short ripening period. Furthermore, this vegetable crop can be grown not only outdoors but also in greenhouses and under plastic.

Resistance to diseases and insects

An excellent characteristic of the variety is its resistance to diseases:

• olive spot;
• powdery mildew;
• cucumber mosaic.

Plants are extremely rarely damaged by insect pests.

How to plant and grow a crop on a plot

When growing the Othello cucumber variety, vegetable growers recommend following all the rules to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Technology and timing of planting seeds and seedlings

The planting time for this vegetable depends on the growing location: greenhouse, open garden bed, or under plastic cover. Planting occurs when the soil warms to 14-16 degrees Celsius. Count back approximately 25 days, add 7-8 days, and you'll arrive at the sowing time. Experience shows that the Othello cucumber doesn't require disinfection or germination.

Each seed should be placed in a separate, dry pot and covered with 1.5 cm of soil. The pots should be well-lit and the temperature should be between 25-27 degrees Celsius. The seeds require watering. Seven to 10 days before planting, harden off the seedlings by placing them outdoors (on a balcony, loggia, or veranda).

Othello cucumber, judging by reviews and photos, is planted according to the following scheme: 3 bushes per 1 m²The plants are watered for several days, then watered with warm water, without excess moisture.

Care in greenhouses and open ground

Regardless of where the plants are located, they should be watered, mulched, and fertilized. After weeding, be sure to loosen the beds to ensure adequate air circulation to the root system.

Watering frequency

Greenhouse plants are watered with warm water as the soil dries. During flowering and fruiting, water regularly. Care must be taken to prevent water droplets from splashing onto the leaves.

Important! If you can't be on your property full-time, you need to install drip irrigation.

When growing a hybrid outdoors, be mindful of the weather. If it rains frequently, watering is not necessary.

How to properly feed cucumbers and what to use for feeding

The plant is fertilized 5-6 times per season. Initially, solutions of mullein or bird droppings are applied. During the growing season, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied. Wood ash is a good supplement, as it also serves as a disease preventative.

We form and tie up the bushes

Plant bushes need to be properly trained, pinching the main stem after 6-7 leaves have formed. In a greenhouse, vines are tied to trellises, and in open beds, side shoots are pinched.

We protect against diseases and pests

The Othello cucumber is sometimes attacked by pests. If the plant is attacked by greenhouse whiteflies, they will suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to dry out. Aphids also damage the vegetable. To protect the plant from pests, special commercial or home remedies are used.

Reviews and secrets for a bountiful harvest from experienced gardeners

If a gardener is unsure whether to grow the Othello cucumber, reviews and photos will help them make a choice.

Svetlana, 55: "I've been growing the Othello variety for two years. I can share a few tips. To attract pollinating insects, spray the flowers with sugar and boric acid diluted in water. This will increase the cucumber harvest."

Sergey, 60: "The Othello cucumber has an incredibly pleasant, crisp, and firm flavor. Besides the fact that the cucumbers can be stored for a long time in a cool place, they also taste great when canned or pickled."