Features of growing Armenian cucumber, its description, planting and care
Growing such an exotic vegetable-fruit will not cause much trouble. Try to plant on your site or summer cottage. Armenian cucumber is a hybrid mixture of cucumber, melon and pumpkin. It is a heat-loving plant native to Africa and Asia. This strange-tasting and looking vegetable has several names (Armenian cucumber, Tarra, snake melon). Refers to melons and gourds. It was brought from Armenia, hence this name was formed.
Description of the fruit
This exotic hybrid, a melon and cucumber mix, has an original appearance. The variety is early ripe, 75 - 80 days pass from germination to ripening. The plant is tall, with long branches reaching 4 meters. Some of the characteristics of a vegetable compared to a cucumber:
- huge fruit sizes - up to 50 cm long;
- sweetish taste, like ordinary cucumbers;
- the peel is covered with soft fluff and does not have a bitter taste;
- the pulp is soft, juicy, white.
The fruits are bright green with light stripes. This variety has a very high yield. Fruit should be picked young, at maturity the skin will coarsen and become tough. The leaves are large, rounded, like melon leaves. Does not require cleaning, can be consumed directly with the peel.
The fruits are much larger than ordinary cucumbers. Crunchy, juicy, with melon and cucumber flavor, has a refreshing and tonic effect. He became famous for his rich harvest. You can collect 7 - 8 fruits from one lash.
Beneficial features
This rather strange plant, which differs from ordinary cucumbers not only in appearance, but also in taste, contains a number of useful substances.
The vitamins that make up the composition have a beneficial effect on the human body:
- promote mental performance;
- prevent oncology;
- lower blood pressure;
- help to recover from stressful situations.
Melon fruit does not need to be brought to full ripeness - it should be picked when young, not more than 20 cm in size. Eat immediately, fresh, or store in the refrigerator. Snake melon has proven itself on the positive side, high yield and long fresh storage. People who have tried this vegetable leave the most positive reviews.
Technology of growing Armenian cucumber
Although this vegetable appeared in Russia relatively recently, it does not take much effort to grow it. The plant is quite unpretentious, does not require special attention. This exotic plant can be grown both in the greenhouse and in the open field.
Planting and caring is not much different from caring for other vegetable crops.Grown in greenhouses, film shelters and in the open field. Since the plant is thermophilic, the best place to plant is in a greenhouse.
Seed preparation for sowing
Seed growing is normal. In order for the seeds to sprout quickly and amicably, the soil must be light and fertile. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in warm water for several hours and then immediately planted in the ground. Disinfection should not be carried out - the seeds of the Armenian cucumber do not have an outer shell. The first shoots should appear within a week.
If you decide to plant in seedlings, the most optimal time will be mid - end of April. Seeds are planted to a depth of 4 to 5 centimeters to make it easier for the side shoots to grow. The first time after sowing, the seeds should be watered as needed.
Planting seedlings in open ground
When the first seven leaves appear, the Serpentine Melon cucumbers are planted in open ground. Seedlings are planted in a greenhouse and under a film in mid-May, in open ground - depending on climatic conditions, but when frosts are no longer expected.
Armenian cucumber is an unpretentious variety. Growing and caring for a plant is as follows:
- the soil must be loosened regularly;
- timely weeding of the site;
- water and feed as needed.
Organic fertilizers are best suited as top dressing. During the growth period of the Armenian cucumber, organic matter should be alternated with a complex of mineral fertilizers.
It is desirable to use mullein in liquid form. To protect vegetables from diseases and pests, it is recommended to water with garlic and onion infusions.
There are several types:
- Armenian cucumber White Bogatyr;
- Melon Silver.
All of these species grow equally in greenhouses and in the open field. The taste is almost the same, the only difference is in the color and appearance of the fruit. In closed rooms, the humidity should be monitored. This culture does not tolerate excess moisture.
The fruit should be removed from the lash together with the stalk. By leaving the stalk on the stem, the storage quality is greatly reduced. As the plant grows, it is necessary to prepare strong supports for tying cucumbers.
Cooking use
Armenian cucumber is widely used in cooking. It is pickled, salted, stewed. Great for grilling, an important ingredient in salads, and eaten fresh.
Experienced gardeners, for whom growing vegetables is a familiar thing, are advised everyone to try to plant Tarru on their plot.
