Sugar Baby Watermelons: Cultivating full-sized watermelons can be overwhelming for home gardeners due to their large space requirements and enormous fruit size. If this seems too ambitious, consider the “icebox” variety ‘Sugar Baby.’ This variety offers the same rich flavor, juiciness, and nutritional benefits as larger watermelons but in a more compact form. Organic farmer Jenna Rich will guide you through the process of planting, growing, and caring for these delightful melons.

I hadn’t grown watermelons until this season, and ‘Sugar Baby’ turned out to be the variety I ended up with. A neighbor had saved seeds from the previous year and asked if I could start some in my greenhouse. I was happy to help and thrilled when she offered me any extra plants, as she only needed four.

As summer arrived, I transplanted two seedlings into their own fabric grow bags and placed them next to my Birdies metal raised beds. The vines quickly intertwined with my tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, creating a lush, vibrant patch of summer produce. The melons thrived in their bags, and once they showed signs of full ripeness, I harvested several. They were absolutely fantastic.

If you have room for a smaller watermelon, I highly recommend this delicious heirloom variety. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, care for, and enjoy ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons.

What Are Sugar Baby Watermelons? 

This variety is a simple-to-grow, juicy, and compact watermelon, making it an ideal choice for individuals or small families. Although it’s primarily composed of water, this heirloom watermelon is also rich in antioxidants, potassium, Vitamin C, carotenoids, and lycopene. It’s known for its abundant yields and is well-loved in our community for its delightful flavor, consistent performance, and health benefits. The high sugar content of ‘Sugar Baby’ is what gives it its exceptional sweetness.

Visual Characteristics

This charming melon is small and round, featuring a deep green exterior and striking dark red flesh inside. The outer skin might have subtle lighter green stripes. The seeds are medium brown and somewhat round, and the rind is thin. Each melon typically weighs between eight and ten pounds and measures seven to ten inches in diameter, with each plant yielding two to five fruits.

Origin Region

‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons originally hail from Africa and were brought to the United States in the 1950s. They rapidly became popular due to their compact size, exceptional flavor, and heirloom heritage.

How to Cultivate

These watermelons can be delicate when it comes to transplanting, but with a bit of extra attention, they will thrive. ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons are generally considered low-maintenance and relatively easy to grow.

Sunlight
Sunlight plays a crucial role in ensuring abundant flower production and successful pollination. Position your plants to receive eight to ten hours of direct sunlight each day. This exposure will not only promote flowering but also enhance pollination and ensure the fruit develops a delightful sweetness.

Water
Watermelons, known for their high water content, require substantial moisture to produce their large, juicy fruits. Water your plants one to two inches weekly if rainfall is insufficient. Focus on watering at the base to reach the roots effectively. The soil should remain consistently moist but not overly soggy.

Soil
Watermelons thrive in rich, loamy soil rich in organic matter that stays moist throughout the growing season. Ideally, the soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8, but they can tolerate a range from 5.0 to 7.0. Conduct a soil test before planting to determine if you need to adjust the soil’s acidity.

Mulch
For short-season growers in cooler regions, apply heavy straw mulch or use silage tarps (black side up) around the melons and pathways to warm the soil. Mulching not only helps to regulate soil temperature but also suppresses weeds and enhances soil fertility as it decomposes.

Climate and Temperature
Watermelons prefer temperatures between 70 and 85°F (21 and 29°C). Cooler conditions can hinder growth and lead to mushy fruit. They are not frost-tolerant, so use row covers to protect transplants from spring’s chilly temperatures. If spring is unusually cool, start seeds indoors later to prevent rootbound seedlings.

Fertilizing
‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons are heavy feeders and require ample nutrients, water, and composted organic matter. Provide a nitrogen boost around the time tendrils appear and vines begin to lengthen. Switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer as flowering begins and remove any insect netting. Weekly fish emulsion foliar feeds and side-dressing with compost midway through the season will help the plants thrive.

Harvesting
Monitor the melons around 75 to 80 days after transplanting. Look for shriveled curly-Qs near the melon, which indicates readiness for harvest. The melon’s exterior may have a light green or yellow spot where it touches the soil, and the fruit should feel firm. Gently tug on the fruit—if it comes off easily, it’s ready; if not, wait a few more days.

Pruning
When properly spaced, no pruning is required. However, as the season progresses and cooler nights arrive, some gardeners trim the growing tips. This allows the plant to concentrate its energy on ripening the fruit still on the vine.

Propagation
‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors about three to four weeks before the last frost.

Start Seeds Indoors
In regions with shorter growing seasons, sow seeds about ½ inch deep in cell trays filled with premium, well-draining seed-starting mix. Place the trays on a heat mat set between 75 and 85°F (24 and 29°C), ensuring the soil remains moist. Seeds should germinate within five to ten days. Provide seedlings with eight to ten hours of sunlight after germination. When temperatures permit, harden off the seedlings for up to a week before transplanting. Protect them from strong winds and bring them inside if nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F (16°C) to prevent frost damage.

Direct Sow Outdoors
To account for potential seed loss or less-than-100% germination, sow seeds generously one to two weeks after your last frost date. Thin the seedlings to your desired spacing once they have germinated. Ensure the soil is warm for optimal growth.

Planting
In warmer regions, you can sow ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons directly outdoors. In colder areas, start them indoors.

Spacing
If not pruning, maintain at least six feet between rows. Space individual plants four feet apart or use one plant per 7 to 10-gallon grow bag. If you direct-sowed seeds, thin to this spacing. Watermelons have long vines and need ample space, water, and nutrients. Consider closer spacing with pruning in smaller areas, and they can even be trellised for support.

Transplanting
Watermelons thrive in warm, moist soil. Transplant them when temperatures reach about 70°F (21°C) and after the frost risk has passed. Use a trowel or your hand to make a hole slightly deeper than the seedling’s root ball. Place the seedling in the hole, fill it with soil, and water it immediately. Protect new transplants with hoops and covers to guard against flea beetles and other pests until flowering begins.

Common Problems

Be aware of common pests and diseases that may affect your watermelon plants.

• PestsTo minimize damage, use row covers when transplanting. Common pests include:

• Flea Beetles
  These can harm young plants early in the season. Protect plants with row covers to reduce damage.
• Aphids
  Control aphids with firm water streams or neem oil. Planting alyssum, cilantro, yarrow, lavender, fennel, dill, and buckwheat can attract beneficial insects that prey on aphids.
• Cabbage Loopers
  These worms can cause significant damage to young seedlings and may defoliate crops if not managed. Look out for them as they blend with green leaves. Attracting ladybugs, native birds, lacewings, frogs, and toads can help control them. Bt spray is also an effective treatment.
• Cutworms
  Cutworms hide in the soil and attack young seedlings at night, often cutting them down at the base. To deter them, use collars around the seedlings or turn the soil before transplanting to expose them to predators. Bt can be effective in severe infestations.

Diseases

Common Diseases

Downy Mildew
Downy mildew (DM) is caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis. Symptoms include yellow or green lesions, fuzzy spots, and leaf deformities. This disease thrives when daytime temperatures are around 60°F (16°C) and nighttime temperatures reach about 70°F (21°C). It spreads rapidly in windy and rainy conditions. Control it with fungicides or organic copper sprays. Fortunately, it does not survive winter in areas that experience a killing frost.

Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew (PM), caused by Podosphaera xanthii, initially appears on older leaves. Symptoms include yellow spots, white fungal growth, and leaves turning brown and dry. PM can lead to smaller fruit and poor plant quality, potentially causing plant death. Treat with fungicides, but avoid application once plants start flowering.

Anthracnose
Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare, thrives in warm, humid conditions. Symptoms include small spots on leaves similar to those of powdery mildew, sunken fruit, and infected stems. Prevent this disease by using seeds from reliable sources, practicing proper crop rotation, and avoiding field work in wet conditions.

Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a severe disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum. This soil-borne fungus typically affects plants after fruit set, though it can also cause wilting in young seedlings. It prefers sandy, slightly acidic soil. Early detection and fungicide application are crucial. Look for brown or yellow streaks, wilting, and damaged vascular tissue. Remove and discard affected plants, and rotate crops to prevent recurrence.

Damping Off
Damping off is caused by fungal pathogens like Pythium species and Rhizoctonia solani. It often affects young transplants in cool, damp conditions, especially indoors. Prevent damping off by ensuring good ventilation, warmth, and cleanliness of tools and seed-starting supplies.

Gummy Stem Blight
Didymella bryoniae causes gummy stem blight (GSB), leading to oozing stems, leaf spots that eventually cause leaves to drop, and small black spots on petioles. Treat with fungicides and promptly remove infected plants.

In addition to these common diseases, watch out for bacterial fruit blotch, cercospora leaf spot, angular leaf spot, and verticillium wilt.

Overcrowding
Even though ‘Sugar Baby’ is a compact watermelon variety, it is still a vining plant that requires ample space. Overcrowding can limit water and nutrient availability, leading to poor fruit quality. Ensure plants have sufficient room to grow and access resources.

Weed Competition
To manage weeds, consider mulching or using silage tarps. If you prefer not to cover the soil, weed your garden patch weekly using a hoe or by hand. As the vines grow, they will eventually cover the soil and reduce weed pressure.

Timing Your Harvest

Remember these four key indicators to determine if a watermelon is ripe:

• Look for a brown, shriveled curly-q near the fruit.
• Check for a yellow or light green spot on the bottom of the watermelon.
• Tap the fruit gently; it should produce a hollow sound.
• It should come off the vine with little effort when you give it a tug.

Harvesting too soon can result in a less flavorful melon with a duller color and less juicy flesh.

FAQs

What plants are good companions for watermelons?
Watermelons, with their sprawling vines, act as effective ground covers that help suppress weeds. They pair well with plants like basil, beans, cabbage, and lettuce. However, be cautious as they can overrun nearby plants. They are not suitable companions for plants that prefer drier soil, as watermelons require ample moisture to thrive and produce juicy fruit.

How does ‘Sugar Baby’ differ from regular watermelons?
‘Sugar Baby’ is an heirloom variety that matures in 75 to 80 days, producing a sweet, juicy, personal-sized melon. This is significantly quicker than the 120 days required for standard full-sized watermelons to reach maturity.

Can ‘Sugar Baby’ be grown in containers?
Absolutely! This variety does well in containers like fabric grow bags or pots filled with well-draining soil. Ensure the plants receive plenty of compost and nutrients, as watermelons are known for their high nutrient needs.

What are the best ways to enjoy watermelon?
While fresh watermelon is the tastiest option, you can also incorporate it into smoothies, freeze it for a refreshing summer treat, or grill it on skewers for a unique BBQ twist.