7 to 8 inches across.
Introduced in 1956, ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon is a type of icebox or picnic watermelon. It produces small fruits that are 7 to 8 inches across—just the right size for fitting in the fridge or a picnic basket. Red flesh has a high brix value, which measures sugar content.
Do Sugar Baby watermelons need a trellis?
Sugar baby watermelons are the perfect variety for urban gardeners because they can be grown vertically on a trellis. Watermelon plants are a sprawling vine and trellising is a huge space saver. Traditional watermelons get way too big and heavy to trellis.
Is a Sugar Baby watermelon good?
This widely adapted heirloom variety is solid, dark green on the outside with a bright red, firm and fine-grained flesh that is super sweet. Watermelon contains high levels of healthy antioxidants, making Sugar Baby a great sweet way to pack in good nutrition. Vines are compact. Plant about 4 feet apart.
How can you tell when a Sugar Baby watermelon is ready to pick?
Specifically, when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown, that’s the top sign for ripeness. At the same time, the ground spot—the spot where the melon rests on the ground—should be a bright yellow. If the tendril browns and the ground spot is tan, wait.
How do you know when a Sugar Baby watermelon is ready to harvest?
When they are green at the attachment point, the fruit is not yet ripe, but when they start to turn brown and dry, it is harvest time. When the tendrils have fully dried out, the fruit is on the verge of overripeness if it isn’t already and will not ripen further. Therefore, harvest the fruit immediately.
How much room do Sugar Baby watermelons need?
These melons need rich, well-draining soil, amended with compost and composted manure. Plant them in an area with at least eight hours of sun exposure per day and account for at least 60 square feet of space per plant.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
What is the sweetest watermelon to grow?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you’ll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
What does a Sugar Baby watermelon taste like?
Description/Taste
When fully ripe the fruits may even appear black. The juicy inner flesh ranges from red-orange to magenta and is dotted with small dark brown seeds. Its consistency is crisp yet juicy with a classic sweet watermelon flavor.
Why is my Sugar Baby watermelon white?
Expert Response. It is possible that the fruit is not yet ripe. Melons can take 80 to 120 days to ripen depending on variety and the environmental conditions.
Can sugar baby watermelons grow in pots?
Growing sugar baby watermelon in containers requires a soil that is rich in nutrients, a container with good drainage, proper sunlight, and consistent water. Gardeners should use at least a 5-gallon container, typically 5 to 15-gallon containers will work best.
What can I plant near watermelon?
The best plants to companion with watermelons are herbs, lettuces, marigolds, nasturtiums, and radishes. Avoid planting cucumbers, squash, and potatoes near watermelons to help reduce the risk of pests. Happy Gardening!
Will watermelon ripen off the vine?
Unlike many fruits, watermelons do not continue to ripen after they’ve been picked. That’s why it’s important to know whether a watermelon is ripe before picking or buying it. Once it’s been harvested from the vine, it will hardly change until it goes bad.
Why is my baby watermelon yellow inside?
The flesh of watermelons turning yellow is a natural mutation. In fact, the originator of our commercial variety, which comes from Africa, is a yellow to white fleshed fruit. The fruit has a sweeter, honey-like flavor as compared to red fleshed melons, but many of the same nutritional benefits.
How long does it take for watermelon to grow after flowering?
about three months
How Long Does It Take to Grow? It takes about three months to grow to full maturity. The first two months are comprised of the plant sprouting, vining, and flowering. It is only the last month of growth that the actual fruit will develop.
How do you fertilize a Sugar Baby watermelon?
Use straw, shredded newspaper, or grass clippings in a 3 to 4 inch (8-10 cm.) layer around the melon plants. Once the seedlings have emerged or you are ready to transplant, top dress with either 5-5-5 or 10-10-10 general all-purpose fertilizer. Fertilize the watermelon plants in the amount of 1 1/2 pounds (680 g.)
How often should I water my Sugar Baby watermelon?
While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once fruit are growing.
Are you supposed to turn watermelons as they grow?
Yes! We always recommend you rotate crops in your garden as much as possible to prevent diseases and pests. Watermelons should not come after or before any other melons, and if possible, any other members of the cucurbit family (winter squash, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins).
What month do you plant watermelon?
Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
What is the lifespan of a watermelon plant?
3-4 months
How many watermelons per plant? About 2 to 3 melons can be obtained per plant in its single lifespan of 3-4 months. Usually, gardeners purposely keep only one watermelon per plant to harvest big sized fruits.
What is the most delicious watermelon?
10 Great Watermelon Varieties
- Bradford Family. This watermelon is a true heirloom treasure.
- Sugar Baby. The quintessential icebox melon.
- Jubilee Bush.
- Georgia Rattlesnake.
- Odell’s White.
- Charleston Grey.
- Mountain Sweet Yellow.
- Moon and Stars.
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