History of variety selection
The Nezhinsky cucumber variety has been cultivated in the southern regions for a long time. It was distributed in Ukraine and the steppe part of southern Russia. It got its name from the city of Nizhyn, which is located in the Chernihiv region. The Greeks brought the seeds to Ukraine.
In the 40-50s. of the last century, on the basis of a research station, a stable form was developed, which in 1947 was registered as the variety “Nezhinsky 12”. The variety was registered in 2009 in the State Register. After massive damage to the plant by diseases in the 80s, Ukrainian breeders began to revive this type of cucumber and developed several new ones: Nezhinka, Etap, Era.
Landing rules
Based on the Nezhinsky variety, such varieties as Nezhinsky-12 and Nezhinsky Kubani were obtained. Like most varieties and hybrid forms, cucumbers of the famous “Nezhinskie” variety can produce high yields and bear fruit abundantly if the following planting rules are observed:
- it is necessary to use warm ridges or ridges, when digging them in the autumn, organic fertilizers were applied;
- it is necessary to sow prepared and soaked seeds after the threat of late spring frosts, when the soil warms up to 12-14°C;
- standard seed sowing scheme is 50x30 cm, with a recommended depth of 3.5 cm;
- cover the ridge immediately after sowing with covering material, which is removed only after the mass emergence of seedlings.
It is also allowed to grow non-female cucumbers in seedlings. Sowing of seedlings should be carried out a month before the intended planting of plants in a permanent place. Most often, this long-climbing variety is cultivated in open ground.
However, when grown under film covers, it is possible to positively influence the yield and extend the fruiting period. The average yield of this variety is about 1.5 kg per square meter of planting.
Description of Nezhinsky cucumbers
The description of the Nezhinsky cucumber variety says that the plant is a tall crop. The shoots are highly branched and powerful, characterized by intensive growth. Without care, the bush can become very overgrown. Due to significant branching, the total number of lashes can reach twenty. Plant length is up to 2 m.
The leaf blades are medium in size, green in color and evaporate a small amount of moisture, which can be regarded as an adaptation to dry, hot weather. The flowering variety is mixed.
To obtain a high yield of Nezhin cucumbers, pinching the central vine and shoots of the first row is required. Abundant fruiting is observed on the lateral shoots, because more female inflorescences are formed here, which are responsible for the ovary.
Description of fruits
The fruit has an oblong ovoid shape. The top is covered with a rich green skin with a bluish tint. Up to the middle of the fruit, light longitudinal stripes are observed, which diverge towards the base. The photo shows that the Nezhinsky cucumber has a coarsely lumpy surface with sharply prominent edges, where small black spines are located.
The seed chamber of the plant is medium or small in size. Ripe fruits grow up to 10–12 cm and weigh 80–120 g. The juicy, crispy pulp has a sweetish taste and a pronounced cucumber smell. During long-term storage, products lose their color, which reduces their commercial value.
Familiar Stranger
Many experienced gardeners know this variety, and even if they have not grown it, they have heard a lot about its productivity and excellent taste. The variety owes its name to the Ukrainian city of Nezhin, from where pickles were even supplied abroad.
Epochs have changed, and, despite the abundance of new hybrids and varieties, this cucumber remains among the favorites of gardeners in various regions. Nezhinsky belongs to the mid-late cucumbers; you will have to wait more than two months before the first fruits. Therefore, having planted seedlings in June, the greens are harvested already at the end of July or even the beginning of August.
It is characterized by long-term fruiting; cucumbers appear just in time for the autumn harvesting season. The bushes of this variety are powerful, many side shoots are formed, the lashes reach 1.5-2 meters.
ON A NOTE! Nezhinsky bears fruit better in open ground, and the greens are distinguished by especially tasty crispy pulp.
Its fruits grow up to 12 cm, but usually the greens are picked when they reach 8-10 cm. The cucumbers have an elongated shape, the skin is covered with numerous large tubercles. Weight of cucumbers – 80-95 grams.
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The pulp is very juicy, dense, and has a pleasant aroma. Many people note the combination of the density of the pulp and its delicate taste, aroma and special piquancy.
Nezhinsky is good at pickling; it’s not for nothing that they used to be delivered in barrels to the imperial court. They are also suitable for marinades, various modern types of canning and, of course, delicious fresh.
Characteristics of the cucumber variety Nezhinsky
Due to its characteristics, the Nezhinsky cucumber is included in the State Catalog of Russian Plants for cultivation in areas with open soil and using film coverings. The description of the variety states that it has gained popularity due to its increased productivity. Nizhyn cucumbers are pollinated by bees.
This variety is grown in two ways: seedlings and sowing seeds in the soil. When cultivated in greenhouses, difficulties with pollination may occur. To get a harvest in the early stages, it is necessary to use greenhouses, insulated beds and temporary protection constructed from arches or special material. The culture is undemanding to methods of agrotechnical care.
Advice! Seed material should be treated with disinfectants that contain active substances.
Because of their black thorns, Nezhinsky cucumbers are suitable for pickling. In this case, only salt is used as a preservative.
Productivity and fruiting
The ripening period for the harvest of Nizhyn cucumbers is defined as medium or medium-late and depends on climatic conditions. The first greens can be harvested approximately 2 months after planting. In the southern regions, the ripening period is 2 weeks shorter, in the northern regions – longer. The yield of the plant is 1.5 kg of fruits per 1 sq. m.
Cucumbers of the “Nezhinsky” variety should be collected once every 2 days. The crop should be immediately placed in the shade. It is advisable to ensure that the stalk remains on the picked fruit and there is no damage. It is not recommended to wash cucumbers, as such procedures will lead to the destruction of the natural protective shell. To increase the yield of the Nizhyn variety, organic soil fertilization should be carried out in the autumn.
Attention! If you tie up the bushes, you can get a big harvest. Without gartering shoots, the yield from 1 sq. m. will be 3.5–4 kg, and if available – up to 5 kg.
Application area
The harvested crop is suitable for salting and pickling. The non-female variety is distinguished by its density and juiciness - these are considered important characteristics for such processing. Zelentsy crispy after being in brine for a long time. Also, fresh cucumbers have good taste and are ready to eat immediately after picking. The product is used in a variety of salads and winter vegetable preparations.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The main disadvantage of the Nezhin cucumber variety is considered to be susceptibility to various diseases. However, the plant is resistant to mosaic wilt. This variety can become infected with fungus from the ground, so it is not advisable to allow the foliage and soil to come into contact. In this regard, the stems should be tied up, and the lower leaf plates should be removed.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Cucumbers of the “Nezhinsky” variety have the following advantages:
- high taste qualities;
- presentation;
- long fruiting;
- the admissibility of cultivation on open ground or in a greenhouse;
- resistance to moisture deficiency and high temperatures;
- ease of care;
- increased resistance to wilting;
- the opportunity to get a good harvest from your seeds.
There are three disadvantages:
- impossibility of self-pollination;
- the bush needs shaping;
- susceptibility to varietal diseases.
Harvesting and application
Cucumbers are harvested regularly as they ripen. It is better to do this early in the morning, while they are cold and elastic. To preserve the fruits, they are placed in a room with an air temperature of 8-10 °C. In such conditions, safety is ensured for up to two weeks.
The use of the variety is universal. The pleasant aroma, crunch and juiciness of the fresh fruit makes Nizhyn cucumbers indispensable in salads. Freshly squeezed juice acts as a remedy. But Nezhinsky showed himself best in salting and pickling. Both cold and hot processing methods are suitable for it. At the same time, the beneficial properties are preserved, and the crispy cucumber and piquant taste will delight you in winter.
Growing cucumbers Nezhinsky
When cultivating a plant, you should adhere to the following rules:
- It is necessary to water the bushes every two days; during dry periods, it is better every other day;
- after the procedure, you should loosen the ground and hill up the bushes;
- weeds must be carefully removed without harming the crop;
- every 10 days it is necessary to fertilize;
- When collecting fruits, it is advisable not to touch the stems.
Planting seedlings
Seeds of Nezhinsky cucumbers are sown in the ground 30 days before planting in a permanent place. In this case, the crop will need about 0.5 kg of soil. Before transplanting, seedlings need to get used to the low temperature in the dark. After the cucumber has been transferred, it must be protected from the sun with agrofibre or a small mesh.
When growing seedlings of the Nezhinsky variety, you need to follow the following rules:
- The plant needs additional artificial lighting - you can use daylight or LED lamps.
- It is required to observe the temperature regime: during the day from 18 to 22 ˚С, at night – 2–3 ˚С lower.
- Drafts and overcooling of the soil in pots should be avoided.
- Do not over-moisten the soil.
- Fertilizers need to be added every 5 days.
- In case of leaf damage, traditional methods can be used to treat Nizhyn cucumbers. For example, dissolve 4 g of soap and soda ash in 1 liter of water. Spray the resulting mixture in the evening.
Important! To obtain high-quality seedlings, you need to provide the plant with good sunlight.
Growing cucumbers using the seedless method
Cucumber "Nezhinsky" gives greater yield in open soil. Pre-soaked seeds are sown in the ground after the soil has warmed to 10 °C. It is advisable to maintain a distance of 50x30 cm between the holes, the depth of which should be 3.5 cm. To speed up the ripening of fruits, the soil should be temporarily covered with film and removed only after sprouts appear. Cucumbers of the “Nezhinsky” variety need to be watered 1–2 times a week. After the first shoots appear, it is necessary to carry out foliar feeding of the plants. Nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium are suitable for the procedure.
Aftercare for cucumbers
The Nezhinsky cucumber variety needs subsequent care:
- watering with warm water after 1–2 days using the drip method;
- shallow loosening of the soil near the bush;
- fertilizing with organic fertilizers and 1% urea extract;
- regular garter of long shoots;
- alternating foliar and root fertilizing during the growing season;
- spraying to prevent powdery mildew infection.
The soil in which cucumbers grow should always be moist.
Reviews
The reviews speak for themselves - over the years of existence, the Nezhinsky cucumber has shown itself only from its best side.
Galina, Voronezh: “Zelentsy ripen quite quickly and have excellent taste. I pick about two buckets of cucumbers every weekend. Enough for the whole family for salads and preparations. I sow directly into the ground in mid-April and collect the fruits before the first frost.”
Victor, Samara: “The Nezhinsky variety was grown by my parents. I really like its crunchy, sweet taste. Productivity is high. The variety is unpretentious - regular watering and fertilization in the fall is enough. I recommend to all!"
Anna, Krymsk: “I planted Nezhinsky for the first time about seven years ago. Since then, I have been growing the variety constantly and reaping large harvests. Never let me down."
Bush formation
For a cucumber of the Nezhinsky variety, it is necessary to create conditions under which flowers with an ovary will dominate. They are formed mainly on lashes of the 1st and 2nd order. Therefore, the central stem of the crop should be pinched after every 4–5 leaves. It is not recommended to get rid of barren flowers from the axils, because the plant needs them for cross-pollination.
After pinching the end of the main stem, the Nezhinsky variety bush begins to intensively form lateral shoots of the 1st order, which also need to be processed after every 4th leaf blade. After this, the plant develops level 2 lashes, and a significant number of female inflorescences are formed on them. They are thinned out taking into account local soil and climate data.
Care
The Nezhinsky variety of cucumbers is very responsive to the implementation of correct care measures:
- It is preferable to water after 1-2 days, irrigating in the afternoon with warm water;
- after irrigation, it is necessary to carry out shallow loosening of the soil around the plants with planting of cucumber bushes;
- Plants should be fed using organic elements, and also complex fertilizers;
- a good result is provided by alternating root and foliar fertilizing throughout the entire growing season;
- plants respond well to foliar feeding with a 0.5-1% urea solution with the addition of basic microelements;
- long vines imply a trellis growing method, which simplifies the entire process of maintaining plants;
- insufficient resistance to powdery mildew will require preventive spraying with systemic agents.
The harvested cucumber "Nezhinsky" is specialized both for fresh consumption and for the purpose of canning.
To obtain a significant and high-quality harvest, it is recommended to follow the principles of crop rotation. Current harvesting encourages the development of new cucumber ovaries and promotes longer fruiting.
