Sugar Baby watermelons are a popular choice for home gardeners, known for their compact, sweet, red-fleshed melons. These “icebox” melons weigh 6 to 10 pounds, ideal for smaller families and gardens. Their short maturity period, 75-85 days from germination, allows for a successful harvest even in shorter growing seasons.
Germination and Seedling Stage
Starting Sugar Baby watermelon seeds indoors is recommended, particularly in cooler climates, 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in pots or cell trays. A consistent soil temperature of 80-90°F (27-32°C), often achieved with a heat mat, promotes germination.
Seedlings emerge within 3-10 days. The soil temperature can be lowered to the mid-70s°F for 1-2 weeks, and watering reduced to avoid wet conditions. When true leaves develop, thin seedlings to one plant per cell or pot. Before transplanting outdoors, gradually expose young plants to outdoor conditions over a week to harden them off.
Vine Development and Flowering
Plants rapidly develop vines and leaves. Vines spread 2-12 feet long. Watermelons thrive in warm weather, preferring air temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and at least 8 hours of full sunlight daily. Consistent moisture is important during this growth phase, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
Both male and female yellow flowers are produced. Male flowers appear first, with a slender stem behind the bloom. Female flowers have a small, swollen ovary at their base, resembling a miniature watermelon. Pollination, often by bees, is necessary. If natural pollination is insufficient, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from a male to a female flower using a small brush or cotton swab.
Fruit Development and Ripening
After pollination, the female flower’s ovary swells into a tiny fruit. Development takes about 5 weeks from flower to ripe fruit. The fruit enlarges, and its rind color deepens from a lighter green to dark green. Consistent watering is important as the fruit develops, until it reaches the size of a tennis ball.
As the fruit matures, sugars accumulate, leading to sweet flavor. The skin’s sheen diminishes, becoming dull as the melon ripens. While the fruit develops, place cardboard, straw, or a pot underneath it to prevent direct contact with the soil and deter rot and insect damage. Melons mature in 75-85 days from germination, but visual cues best gauge ripening.
Harvesting
Harvesting at the right time ensures optimal sweetness and flavor. A reliable indicator is the tendril closest to the fruit on the vine. When this tendril turns brown and dries, it signals the melon is nearing ripeness. Some growers suggest waiting an additional 7-10 days after the tendril dries for peak sweetness.
Another sign is the ground spot, where the watermelon rests on the soil. This spot changes from white or light green to a creamy yellow color as the fruit ripens. Tapping the melon can provide a clue; a ripe melon produces a deep, hollow sound, while an unripe one may sound dull. Once indicators are present, carefully cut the watermelon from the vine using a sharp knife or garden shears, leaving about an inch of stem attached for storage and to prevent rot.