Citrullus lanatus (Sugarbaby Watermelon) is an early season watermelon variety that produces sweeter, smaller-sized melons in under 100 days. Sugarbaby watermelons have the same green stripes and red flesh but grow no larger than roughly 20 cm (8 inches) long. This heirloom variety from the 1950s has a compact habit, is more resistant to pests and conveniently fits in the fridge. As an added bonus, the flowers attract bees into the garden.
Watermelons are a popular summer fruit and mostly eaten raw but can also be added to juices, smoothies, and fruit salads. Some recipes include the cooked leaves of watermelon.
Sugarbaby Watermelons are suitable for Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates. They also require 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day and are not tolerant to frost.
Watermelon fruit is also a rich source of pectin which can help protect the body from radiation.
Growth
Sugarbaby Watermelon is an annual fruiting plant that grows to around 50 cm (2 feet) high and up to 2 metres wide (6 ft). It’s a fast-growing vine.
Watermelons thrive in dry temperatures between 15 and 30°C (60 and 85°F). Until flowering, plants perform better when soil is allowed to dry out between watering. Once flowering begins, regular water is required, and mulching is recommended in hot climates to avoid the soil drying out completely.
Each plant averages three-five fruits of about 3kg and then dies off during winter. So, keep some of the seeds for the following season.
For a large but still beautifully sweet variety of watermelon, try Crimson Sweet Watermelon.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cucurbitaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 40°C / 50 to 113°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun for around 6-8 hours per day.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 cm (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (6 foot)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
Average 80-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
85-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 15 to 30°C / 60 to 85°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 12
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT CITRULLUS LANATUS (Watermelon)
Watermelons are native to West Africa and there is evidence that seeds were found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
Slaves from Africa introduced watermelon seeds to the Americas when brought over by the Spanish. As early as 1576, some Spanish settlers were them in Florida, United States.
