Description of the Prima Donna hybrid cucumbers, their features and advantages

The Prima Donna hybrid cucumber was developed by the Moscow-based agrofirm Sedek. The manufacturer recommends it for cultivation in greenhouses, hothouses, and open ground. It is also well suited for growing on balconies, in conservatories, and on terraces. The cucumbers do not require pollination to produce fruit. These self-pollinating cucumbers do not require bees or other insects to begin fruiting. Growers' reviews indicate that the variety is resilient to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature.

Characteristics and properties

The Primadonna f1 hybrid grows up to 180 cm in height. The trunk is slender and flexible, producing numerous branches that stretch up to 80-90 cm. The crown is medium-dense, and the leaves are large and pale green. Ovaries form in clusters of 3-4, but often reach 8-9.

The fruits are formed in clusters. The cucumbers have an elongated cylindrical shape; crookedness is rare unless properly watered. The average weight of cucumbers is 90-120 grams, with a length of 10-12 cm and a diameter of 2.8-3.5 cm. The skin is dark green with small bumps. The ribbing is slight, almost unnoticeable.

This variety is considered early. The first harvest can be obtained within 36-40 days after germination. Weather conditions have little effect on the growth and ripening process. Fruiting continues until mid-autumn, until interrupted by night frosts or snow.

A distinctive feature of cucumbers is the absence of their characteristic bitterness. The flavor of ripe fruits is pleasant and rich, and the flesh is firm and crisp. When grown commercially, yields range from 2.5 to 5 kg per square meter. In private farms, yields are much higher. For example, in open field and greenhouses, farmers harvest 20 kg and 25 to 28 kg, respectively.

The size of the cucumbers determines their culinary uses. They are quite versatile: they are used for slicing, salads, freezing, pickling in barrels, and canning. When the harvest is abundant, young cucumbers are used, preserved in 250-330 ml jars.

Cucumbers withstand transportation and long-term storage well. Trading companies take advantage of these qualities. When purchasing large quantities wholesale, they store them in a cool, dark room. The fruits retain their marketable appearance for several months, but their price increases severalfold.

Advantages and disadvantages

Primadonna variety cucumbers are grown throughout the country.

Their popularity is due to the following advantages:

1. Presentation. The fruits look great on the bush, on a plate, and in a jar.
2. Excellent taste, appreciated by gourmets. Wide range of culinary uses.
3. Early ripening. Gardeners can enjoy fresh vegetables as early as April. Cucumbers are in high demand at the market in the spring.
4. Resistance to most fungal and infectious diseases. Breeders have ingrained a strong immune system into the plant.
5. Excellent shelf life. Thanks to this quality, fruits harvested in the fall can be stored until the end of winter.
6. Maintaining fruiting regardless of watering intensity, air temperature and level of illumination.

Farmers haven't noted any significant drawbacks to this variety. A minor inconvenience is the bush's vigorous growth of branches. They can be difficult to accommodate in a small greenhouse, causing some shoots to remain on the ground.

Growing and care

The seeds are immersed in a growing medium in early March. The soil is fertilized, and drainage is placed at the bottom of the containers. It is recommended to plant two seeds per container. If you plan to plant several hundred plants, use an oblong pot. Once the sprouts emerge and have three true leaves, they are pricked out.

Seedlings should be kept in a warm, constant-temperature room. A south-facing windowsill is ideal. Insufficient light can be compensated for with fluorescent lamps.

5-8 days before transplanting into the beds, the seedlings are hardened off by gradually increasing the time spent in the cold and lowering the temperature.

The seedlings are planted in pre-prepared holes. A mineral fertilizer, charcoal, ash, and sand are added. The plants are carefully removed from the pot and placed into the hole along with the soil. Immediately afterward, the cucumbers are watered with a nutrient solution and covered with a translucent material for 2-3 days to protect them from sunburn.

Plant care consists of regular watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, and mulching. The vines can be tied to a trellis or laid on the ground. The method depends on the frequency of planting and the amount of light. For preventative purposes, spraying with disinfectants once a month is recommended. After the first flush of growth, the vines should be trimmed and yellowed leaves removed. Apply an organic or combined fertilizer. A second crop can be expected within a week.