Grow Sugar Baby Watermelon from fresh Citrullus lanatus seeds. Sugar Baby is an heirloom melon that bares fruits anywhere from 6 to 10 pounds. Although the melons are smaller, the taste packs a punch. These Watermelons are one of the sweetest around. They are covered in a dark green skin that later turns, almost black when ripe, with juicy, sweet red flesh.
The seeds resemble small, dark brown, apple seeds and are easy to pick out. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 8 to 12 inches tall and vine outwards taking up about 3 to 5 feet of space. The plants themselves bare a few decent melons per vine and are easily stored when harvested, because of their smaller size. Your Sugar Baby Watermelons will be ready for harvesting in about 85 days after the first sprouts appear.
It’s no shocker that the Watermelon is consisted of roughly 95 to 96 percent water, the other 5 to 6 percent is mainly sugar. There are a few health benefits when eating Watermelons, some of which you might not even know of. Citrullus lanatus is known to lower risk of cancer, as well as preventing asthma because of its Vitamin C contents. But it doesn’t stop there, Watermelon is also great for muscle soreness, healthy skin, reduced blood pressure and can also regulate the digestive system.
Sowing The Seed
You should know that Watermelons require plenty of space to grow, however this variety is great if you have little space to work with. In warmer climates, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow in peat pots, at a depth of 1/2″ to 1″ under topsoil. Transplant entire pots when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. You can direct sow outdoors in cooler climates. (Check “Germination & Growth” for spacing and plant information.)
Growing Conditions
Because Watermelons thrive in warmer climates, it is recommended to place the plants in an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day. For optimal germination and growth, temperatures should be kept between 72F and 80F. The soil should be rich, but also well drained, with a pH level between 6 and 6.8. Add a light compost to hard compacted soil to increase drainage. Water daily until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Your Watermelon seeds will begin to sprout within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. They will grow up to 8 to 10 inches tall and vine outwards taking up an area of 3 to 5 feet. Plants should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart, while rows should be spaced 5 to 8 feet apart. Harvest in roughly 85 days after first sprouts appear, or when the bottom spot turns from white to yellow.