7 to 8 inches across.
‘Sugar Baby’ Watermelon Slice 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.
How big do icebox watermelon plants get?
This sweet, scarlet “icebox” melon can grow on space-saving vines only 3-1/2′ long. The Sugar Baby watermelons save space in the garden and in the refrigerator with their tiny size. The only thing big about this little round watermelon is the wonderful flavor – rich, juicy and incredibly sweet!
How can you tell when a Sugar Baby watermelon is ready to pick?
By looking at the tendrils nearest a Sugar Baby watermelon, you’d be able to determine if the fruit is ready for picking. What is this? A green tendril indicates the fruit needs more time to mature. Once it turns brown and dry, then you’ll know it’s time for harvest.
When should I pick my icebox watermelon?
Bush ‘Sugar Baby’ Watermelon Vine
Each vine produces two, 12-pound melons. The exception to the brown tendril rule is ‘Sugar Baby,’ an icebox-type watermelon. When the tendril turns brown and dries, you need to wait another seven to 10 days before picking.
How much space does an icebox watermelon need?
Growing Icebox Watermelons
Vines should be at least 6 to 8 feet apart, or 4 feet for bush-type vines. If you’re really pressed for space, train them vertically: A sturdy icebox watermelon trellis can support the vines and fruit of most compact varieties (and makes them easier to harvest).
Do Sugar Baby watermelons need a trellis?
Trellising is a great way to grow sugar baby watermelons if you don’t have a lot of space. If you do have room for your vine to roam, though, you might yield bigger fruit if you let your vine grow horizontally rather than vertically.
How do you take care of an icebox watermelon?
Gardeners must plant icebox watermelons in well-drained soil. Keep the soil free from weeds as they take away the nutrients and water in the earth from the surrounding plants. The soil should be warm, about 10 degrees celsius. Covering the area with a plastic bag raises the temperature.
How many watermelons does a Sugar Baby produce?
Sugar Baby watermelon vines produce a fruit that is approximately 6–10 pounds. Sugar Babies produce less fruit on each vine than a traditional watermelon variety—each plant will produce one or two watermelons.
What is the sweetest watermelon?
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
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.
How can you tell if a small watermelon is good?
If the watermelon is ripe, the field spot should be a large, yellow patch on one side of the melon. If it is ripe, the color should be a creamy, almost butter-like yellow. The bigger the yellow belly and the creamier the color means the more time the melon spent ripening on the vine.
Why is my Sugar Baby watermelon white?
More About Watermelon Colors
Regular watermelons take up to 120 days to ripen; if your red one is white inside, it is not ready to eat.
Will watermelon ripen off the vine?
Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. Therefore, flavor will not improve nor will they become sweeter—t is what it is at harvest. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest.
How long does it take for an icebox watermelon to mature?
‘Sugar Baby’ Watermelon Slice
Like many icebox types, ‘Sugar Baby’ ripens 8- to 12-pound fruits in 75 days (compared to 120 days for a full-size watermelon). Even though fruits are small, they’re packed with full-size flavor and sweetness.
What is the best fertilizer for watermelons?
Choosing the best fertilizer for watermelon is the key to a quality harvest.
- BEST OVERALL: Dr.
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Espoma Garden Tone 3-4-4 Plant Food.
- PREMIUM PICK: Organic Plant Magic Super Premium Plant Food.
- BEST ORGANIC: Jobe’s Organics Granular Fertilizer.
- BEST LIQUID: Neptune’s Harvest Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer.
What can you not plant with watermelon?
Watermelon Companion Plants & Non-Companions
For companion plants, you’re going to want to plant it with things like radishes, lettuces & then avoid things like cucumber, zucchini, and basically anything in the melon family. Basically they make it difficult for the plants to grow and mature and can attract diseases.
How tall should a Sugar Baby watermelon trellis be?
5) Build sturdy trellises!
Given deep soil and good growing conditions, I normally expect to harvest 20-30 pounds of watermelon growing on a 4 foot wide and 7 foot tall trellis.
How far apart do you plant Sugar Baby watermelon?
Plant 1 inch deep, 6 seeds per hill, hills 4 to 6 feet apart; or 1 foot apart in rows 5 feet apart. Can plant at closer spacings if trellised. Thin to 2 to 3 plants per hill. Prefers warm, well-drained, soil, high in organic matter with pH 6.5 to 7.5.
How deep do watermelon roots go?
Watermelon roots commonly grow 8 to 10 or more inches deep; the hole and mound become a reservoir of moisture and nutrients. More tips: Watermelon Seed Starting Tips. Care. Space watermelons 6 to 12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) apart; don’t let plants compete for soil moisture or nutrients.
How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?
80 to 90 days
It takes the shortest amount of time to mature, about 70 to 75 days. A main-season watermelon is larger and takes longer to ripen, usually 80 to 90 days.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
How to Grow Watermelons. Watering is very important—from planting until fruit begins to form. 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.