Sugar Baby Watermelon

Sugar Baby Watermelon

85 Days. Icebox Variety. Early Maturing. Produces super sweet 8-10 lb. fruits on compact vines. Flesh is bright red and fine-textured. Perfect for small gardens. Can be grown in large containers. Can also be grown vertically with sturdy support. Plants do not tolerate cold temperatures.

Resistant to drought and cracking.

Open Pollinated. Non-GMO. Organic. Heirloom.

*Minimum 20 Seeds

Harvest: 85 days

Germination: 5 - 8 days

Seed Planting Depth: 1-1 ½”

Start Indoors: 2-4 weeks before the last frost date in peat or coco core pots.

Direct Sow: 2-3 weeks after last frost. Do NOT tolerate cold temperatures.

Light Requirement: Full sun

Row Spacing: 5-8’

Plant Spacing: 3-5’

Soil Needs: Loamy, fertile, well-draining

Growing Instructions

Use peat or coco core pots when starting seeds indoors as plants do not like to have their roots disturbed. Plant seeds 1-1 ½ inches deep. Thin to 1 plant per pot. Plants can be transplanted once they have developed at least four leaves. Wait to transplant until daytime temperatures remain above 70˚ F and nighttime temperatures remain above 65°F. Plants do not tolerate cold temperatures.

Watermelons grow best in a pH between 6.0-6.5, but the plants will tolerate a pH as low as 5.5. Mix 2-3 inches of compost and manure into the soil before planting. Plants are very heavy feeders and benefit from frequent fertilization. Fertilize weekly with a 16-16-8 all-purpose fertilizer. Side dress the plant to avoid disturbing the roots.

Keep plants moist, not wet. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are recommended. Overhead watering increases the risk of fungal diseases. If using overhead watering, water in the early morning so that the leaves have time to dry before cooler nighttime temperatures occur. Cut back on watering about a week before harvest to increase the sweetness of the fruit. Plants that produce large melons should only be allowed to grow 1-2 fruits per vine. Bush-type plants can produce 2-5 fruits per vine.

Harvest when the leaf axil (part where the flower forms) has enlarged, and the tendril on the vine that is before the watermelon turns completely dry and brittle. Watermelons will store for up to 3 weeks in a cool, dry place. You can store them in the refrigerator to slow down ripening.