The ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ watermelon is a specific cultivar celebrated for its compact, non-vining growth habit. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for gardeners with limited space, such as small urban plots, raised beds, or containers. Unlike traditional watermelon varieties that send out vines often exceeding 12 feet, this bush type typically restricts its growth to a manageable 3 to 4 feet. This guide details the steps necessary to successfully cultivate this small, sweet variety from planting to harvest.
Preparing the Planting Site
Successful growth begins with providing warmth and proper soil structure for this heat-loving crop. Watermelons require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to fuel the sugar production. The ideal soil is a sandy loam, which is well-draining, preventing waterlogging that can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Before planting, the soil should be amended with aged compost or well-rotted manure to provide organic matter. Watermelon seeds germinate best when the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F, and growth slows significantly below 65°F. To expedite warming in cooler climates, a layer of black plastic mulch can be placed over the soil several weeks before the planting date to absorb solar heat.
Planting and Early Establishment
Timing the planting correctly is necessary for a successful harvest, meaning all danger of frost must have passed, and the soil temperature should be reliably above 65°F. Gardeners can choose between direct sowing seeds or transplanting nursery starts. Direct sowing involves planting seeds about one inch deep, with germination typically occurring within seven to ten days in warm soil.
When using transplants, handle the roots with care, as watermelons are sensitive to root disturbance and may suffer from transplant shock. For the ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ variety, space the plants or hills approximately 2 to 3 feet apart in all directions. For container gardening, two plants can be placed in a 5-gallon container. Once seedlings emerge from direct sowing, thin them to the strongest plant per spot by clipping the weaker ones at the soil line.
Seasonal Care and Pest Management
Consistent and deep watering is necessary throughout the early and mid-season, providing about one to two inches of water per week to encourage robust vine and leaf development. Water the soil directly, using drip irrigation or a soaker hose, to keep the foliage dry, which minimizes the risk of powdery mildew.
The fertilization schedule requires a shift as the plant matures, starting with a fertilizer higher in nitrogen to support initial vegetative growth. Once the first flowers appear, switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-15-10 formulation, to support fruit set and sugar development.
Common pests, including squash bugs and squash vine borers, can be managed using organic methods. Floating row covers placed over young plants can exclude the adult moths and bugs, but they must be removed once flowering begins to allow for pollination. Handpicking adult squash bugs and scraping clusters of their bronze-colored eggs from the leaf undersides are effective physical controls.
Indicators for Ripe Harvest
Knowing the exact moment to harvest is challenging, as watermelons do not continue to ripen or sweeten once picked. The most reliable indicator for the ‘Sugar Baby’ is the condition of the curly tendril closest to where the fruit stem attaches to the main vine. When this tendril completely dries out and turns brown and brittle, the melon is generally ready for harvest.
Another sign is the color change of the ground spot, the patch where the melon rests on the soil. This spot will transition from a pale white or light green to a creamy yellow color as the fruit reaches maturity. Tapping the melon and listening for a dull thud instead of a metallic ring also suggests ripeness. To harvest, use clean shears to cut the melon from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the fruit to help prolong its storage life.