Cucumber Drops — a fast-maturing parthenocarpic hybrid, suitable for cultivation in open ground and under plastic coverings. Time from germination to fruiting is 40-45 days, enabling an early harvest. The female-flowering plant exhibits good growth and abundant flower set, promoting prolific fruiting. Cucumbers are 6-10 cm long, weighing 60-100 g, with an oval shape and dark or light green color with slight mottling. The skin is thin and free of bitterness, while the flesh is crisp and aromatic, making the cucumbers versatile for fresh consumption, salads, and home preservation, pickling, and marinating. Seeds of Drops can be sown directly into the ground or as seedlings. For seedlings, sowing occurs in March at about 25°C, with a planting depth of 1-2 cm. After germination, seedlings are moved to a balcony at around +15°C, then transplanted into open ground or greenhouses once the soil has warmed sufficiently. Direct sowing is recommended from late April to May, and transplanting seedlings should occur at the end of May or beginning of June, spaced 40x40 cm. The plant is low-maintenance, requiring regular watering with warm water and 2-3 fertilizer applications during the growth period. The hybrid Drops is resistant to olive spot and has moderate resistance to true powdery mildew and downy mildew, simplifying care and reducing disease risk. The cucumbers feature excellent flavor and high-quality crisp flesh, free of bitterness, as confirmed by positive gardener reviews. Seeds remain viable for up to 7 years under proper storage conditions, though it is recommended to increase sowing rates after the expiration date to ensure good germination.
