Watermelon – Mini – Sugar Baby

Watermelon – ‘Mini – Sugar Baby’

• Growing Temp 70°F – 90°F

• Days to Maturity 75-80 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: The ‘Mini – Sugar Baby’ watermelon is a small, sweet, and compact variety, perfect for home gardens. It is moderately easy to grow, thriving in warm temperatures and sunny conditions. This watermelon is perfect for eating fresh, with its crisp, juicy red flesh making it a refreshing summer treat. Its smaller size makes it easier to handle and store compared to larger watermelon varieties.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 4-6 feet apart in rows. Watermelon vines need plenty of space to spread out. Thin seedlings to about 3-4 feet apart once they are a few inches tall. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting, and ensure full sun for optimal growth.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: Start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost to get an early start. Plant seeds in biodegradable pots so they can be transplanted without disturbing the roots. Keep the indoor temperature at 75-85°F for germination. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F. Space the plants 3-4 feet apart in rows and water them thoroughly after transplanting. Mulching can help retain moisture and control weeds.

Harvesting: ‘Mini – Sugar Baby’ watermelons are ready to harvest when they reach about 6-10 inches in diameter and the rind turns dark green. Another sign of ripeness is when the tendril nearest the fruit dries up and turns brown. Gently tap the watermelon; it should sound hollow when ripe. Harvest carefully by cutting the fruit from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.