White cucumbers: 8 varieties with descriptions, photos and reviews
Content:
Cucumbers are not a rarity in the gardens of our summer residents throughout the country. But still, this culture has specimens that can surprise even sophisticated gardeners. In this article, we will focus on varieties of white cucumbers. We will tell you about the best of them, as well as tell you about the rules for growing white cucumbers.
White cucumbers: characteristic features
The first varieties of white-fruited cucumbers were bred in the sixties - seventies. But they were not cultivated for production purposes at that time. White cucumbers were not popular. But thanks to breeders from China, such hybrid varieties were again relevant. In Asian countries, the fruits of white cucumbers are in rather active demand.
When you come close to the choice of varieties, then, first of all, look at the characteristics: what yield the variety possesses, what taste it has, what is the ripening period for this variety.
Many people compare varieties of white cucumbers with ordinary ones. Some of the main differences are:
1) The absence of a bitter component of the pulp in terms of taste in white cucumbers
2) White fruits have a thinner and more delicate skin
3) White cucumbers have a richer and brighter aroma
4) Unlike green cucumbers, they are well resistant to sudden changes in temperature
5) They have a very high resistance to heat, they can successfully develop even at +45 degrees!
6) For green cucumbers, the slightest shading will not be beneficial, for whites it is not a problem
7) White fruits are capable of bearing fruit in greenhouse conditions up to the very frost
8) White varieties yield more yields than ordinary cucumbers, since the ovaries are located along the entire lash
White cucumbers have many good qualities that make these varieties stand out from the rest.
You can grow white varieties of cucumbers without fear of lowering temperatures. They have a fairly high degree of frost resistance. Choosing a method of growing white cucumbers, as a rule, gardeners prefer trellis growing. This is due to the fact that these varieties have a powerful stem, which can reach about three meters in length. This is good in terms of saving space, and the fruit stays clean. White cucumbers are not affected by peronosporosis, and they are also not attacked by aphids, thanks to their strong immunity. There is no need to shape your plants, as they independently create ovaries on the shoots in the center and on the sides. Since there is no green pigment in such varieties, they are completely safe for people with allergies, and their unusual appearance will well complement your dishes. It is known that these vegetables contain many useful vitamins and other substances valuable to humans. White cucumber fruits tolerate transportation well.
So far, white cucumbers are not so popular on the Russian market.
White cucumbers: the most successful varieties
The range of planting material for such an unusual culture is very small in our country. But there is still plenty to choose from. And here already everyone decides for himself which variety is best suited. White-fruited cucumbers can be designed for both open and closed ground, they can be smooth, or they can be spiked, they can be long and short.Also, among the characteristics of various varieties, one can single out the purpose of cucumbers (better for fresh consumption or for harvesting), whether the plants are pollinated by bees or are parthenocarpic. Next, let's talk about the varieties that are most popular with gardeners.
Bidigo-Lungo
These cucumbers are a hybrid variety. This variety was bred for cultivation in greenhouse conditions, so the harvest can be obtained in October and November. This variety gives a bountiful harvest, the fruiting period is quite long. The variety is early maturing. Already after fifty days from the moment of planting, cucumbers can be harvested. This variety is great in fresh salads.
Snow Leopard
The variety gives a bountiful harvest. In length, the vegetable usually reaches 20 - 25 centimeters. The bush is high, usually about three meters high. As a rule, as the plant grows, it is recommended to make supports or install something like a net on which the plant can climb. When the cucumbers reach six to eight centimeters in size, the crop can be harvested. This variety is good for winter harvesting.
Bride
This variety belongs to hybrids, pollination occurs by bees. Cucumbers of this variety are early ripening. Typically, it takes about forty days from planting to harvest. The bushes are quite high; when planting, gardeners take into account the interval between plants. So, no more than four bushes are planted per square meter. The fruits have a delicate pulp and have a pleasant refreshing taste. This variety is quite picky about watering. It will not be superfluous to periodically feed your plants with organic fertilizers.
White angel
This variety is a hybrid, in terms of ripening it belongs to the mid-season. As a rule, ripening occurs in fifty - fifty-five days. Flowers are usually mixed. It is allowed to grow the White Angel both in the open and in the closed ground. In weight, one fruit usually reaches sixty - seventy grams. In length, the cucumber reaches seven to nine centimeters. The surface of the fruit is covered with a small number of white thorns. There is no bitterness in the taste. If the cucumbers overgrow, then the freshness in the taste is lost. As such, this variety has no immunity to diseases. Cucumbers are good to eat fresh, and are also suitable for various preparations for the winter.
Snow White
This variety shows good results in terms of yield. Snow White belongs to the early ripening varieties. Can easily tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations. It is well able to grow both in greenhouse conditions and in the open field. The fruits have a thin skin. The fruit tastes slightly sweet, refreshing. The texture inside the cucumbers is tender. This variety has small seeds. This variety is well suited for commercial purposes, the fruits are good for fresh consumption, and are also well suited for various winter harvesting.
Italian white
This variety appeared and began to be cultivated around the end of the 19th century. Cucumbers have an even coating. Bumps are rare. In length, the cucumber reaches, as a rule, twenty centimeters. The pulp has a large amount of juice, is delicate in texture, with a pleasant refreshing aroma. Bushes are quite high in growth. In this regard, the construction of supports and supports is necessary. At the same time, cultivation in a horizontal way is quite acceptable. This variety is not whimsical to care for, it has good immunity to major diseases and pests.
Chinese white
As you might guess from the name, this variety was obtained by Chinese breeders. It is one of the most popular varieties of white cucumbers. Typically, it usually takes ninety days to harvest. Cucumbers have a bright taste, with a clear sweetness. This variety lends itself well to rather long storage. Does not lose taste and aroma.Almost never exposed to diseases of fungal origin. Chinese white loves well fertilized soils with good drainage.
White delicacy
This variety was also obtained thanks to breeders from China. These cucumbers are mid-ripening in terms of ripening. The fruits ripen forty to forty-five days after the seedling sprouted. This variety is suitable for cultivation in greenhouse conditions, as well as for an open area. Cucumbers are cone-shaped in shape, in length, as a rule, reach 12 - 15 centimeters. From above, the fruits have a rather lumpy texture. The texture of the peel is not tough, has no bitterness. Gardeners usually collect about four kilograms from one plant. The white delicacy has good immunity to the main harmful insects and diseases. Cucumbers are good fresh, and are also suitable for the preparation of various marinades and pickles.
White cucumbers: how to grow properly
In general, the agricultural technology of white-fruited cucumbers is similar to the rules for caring for ordinary cucumbers. However, there are still some differences:
1. White-fruited cucumbers are very demanding on the pH level of the soil. In this regard, you need to carefully select the soil mixture.
2. Plants have a large number of lashes, in this regard, they must be periodically ventilated. Therefore, varieties of white-fruited cucumbers are almost never cultivated with spreading. White cucumbers need support.
3. You need to harvest these varieties on time! The optimal fruit size for harvesting is about ten to fifteen centimeters in length. If you delay harvesting too long, it will negatively affect the taste and quantity of the harvest.
4. White cucumbers respond well to high humidity. When the weather is dry, then water objects, paths that are next to the plantings. The bushes themselves need moisture, but less often than their green counterparts. Usually, once every four to five days is enough. Use only warm water!
Caring for white-fruited cucumbers is not difficult, you need to periodically water the plants, loosen the soil, and also do not forget about the timely harvest and feeding. Avoid crusting on the soil. After watering, be sure to loosen immediately. Also, do not forget about the need to weed beds from weeds, as it causes unnecessary shading and useful substances are taken from the ground.
Top dressing must be done both with organic matter and with mineral dressings in the complex. Typically, the number of applications should not be more than five times during the growing season.
If you have chosen to grow cucumbers in greenhouses, then do not forget to periodically ventilate the room so that mold or rot does not appear.
In conclusion, I would like to say that white-fruited cucumbers are an interesting and unusual alternative to the culture we are used to. Growing these varieties is not very difficult. If you follow the simple rules for growing and caring, you can achieve good yields. And the unusual appearance of the fruit can surprise even the most sophisticated summer residents.